Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th 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 Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score despite pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling 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 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 equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.