Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.

Standings Overview

Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.

Match Summary

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 loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.

Other European Action

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring 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 La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.