Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal 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 equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, 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.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
