Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking 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 all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score despite pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
