Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
