Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
