Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
