Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.