Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
