Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.

League Table Overview

Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.

Other Continental Action

Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.

In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
• Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
• The battle for first continues with several teams competing.