Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
