Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
