Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback 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 just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
