Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
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. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
