Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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 soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
