Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
