Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs in the mix.
