Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic 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 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey 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 pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams competing.
