Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling 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 half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly 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 journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
