Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour 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.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
