Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.

League Table Update

Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical 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 finished from close range seven minutes from time.

Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.

Additional Continental Matches

Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.

In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
• Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
• The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.