Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.