Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by 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 attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
