Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
