Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
