Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.

Standings Update

Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League 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 scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.

Additional European Action

In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 delivered the last word late in added time.

In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.

• Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
• Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
• The title race goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.