Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.

League Table Update

Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third 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 18th position with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing three points.

Other European Matches

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.

Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
• Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
• The battle for first continues with multiple teams competing.