Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
