Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added 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 equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.