Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert despite pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring 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 equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
