Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.