Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient 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 close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Additional 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’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
