Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals 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 equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
