Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Overview

Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing the victory.

Other Continental Action

Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.

In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.