Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, 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 close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure was decisive in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
