Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by 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 first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late 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.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
