Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, 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 close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
