Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had 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 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
