Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.
