Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
