Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian 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 ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
