Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping 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, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-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 score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.