Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour 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 last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.
