Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
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. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
