Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
