Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, 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 point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
