Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under 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. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals 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 efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.
