Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike 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 quickly reduced the deficit 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 summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
