Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute 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.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
