Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.
