Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour 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 final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
