Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged 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 goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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 delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
