Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added 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 equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams competing.
