Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.
