Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
