Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
