Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
