Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple clubs competing.
