Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
