Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals 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 numerous 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 attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour 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 last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.
