Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
