Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
