Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.

Standings Overview

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot 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, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure was crucial in earning the victory.

Other Continental Action

In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.

In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.