Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine 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 capacity to score despite pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.
