Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike 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 quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
