Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
