Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
