Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Additional European 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’ scoring 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. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams in the mix.