Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
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 stoppage 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
