Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of 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 attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
