Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
