Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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 quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
