Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.

League Table Overview

Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.

Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.

Other Continental Action

In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal 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. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.

Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.

• The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
• Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
• The title race goes on with several teams competing.