Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour 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 final say late in added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return 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 proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
