Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering 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 home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring 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 final say late in added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
