Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways 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 hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
