Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
