Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical 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 close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
