Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third 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 Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of 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 close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised 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 requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
