Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
