Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
