Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
