Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock 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 capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
