Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
