Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled 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 forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with several teams competing.