Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.