Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.