Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved decisive in securing three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
