Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.

League Table Overview

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.

Match Summary

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.

Additional Continental Matches

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring 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 last word deep into added time.

Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
• Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
• The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.