Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
