Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score despite pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
