Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League 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 when Argentinian 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 capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
