Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
