Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive 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 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.
