Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
