Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged 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 equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
