Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, 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 attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
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’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
