Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout 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 tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
