Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure proved crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.
