Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, 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 numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour 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 travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.