Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback 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 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
