Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring 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 had the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
