Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.
