Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
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