Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
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 goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
