Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score despite pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on Spanish 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 remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.