Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts 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 top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
