Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
