Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Update

Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat 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 home team generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.

Other European Matches

Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.

Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.

• Inter remain in close contention for the Italian title.
• Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
• The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.