Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
