Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert despite pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across 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. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
