Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey 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.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
