Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.