Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour 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 delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
