Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The title race goes on with several teams competing.
