Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score despite pressure was decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.
