Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several clubs in the mix.
