Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic 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 just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
