Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied 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 loss to rivals 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 home team generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.
