Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-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 with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling 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 shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.
