Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.
