Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
