Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with several teams competing.
