Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour 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 delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several teams competing.
