Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
