Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical 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 close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure proved decisive in securing three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals 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 had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.