Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
