Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Overview

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

Match Summary

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.

Additional Continental Action

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.

In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.

• The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
• Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
• The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.