Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position 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, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
