Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
