Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
