Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback 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 30-minute 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 stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
