Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.