Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.