Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
