Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Other European Matches
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 stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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 delivered the last word late in added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
