Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.

Standings Update

Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.

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

Additional European Matches

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.

Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.