Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock 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 close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ 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 equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
