Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, 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.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
