Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win 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 Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal 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 soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.