Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.

League Table Update

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom 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, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.

Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.

Other Continental Matches

Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level 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 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.

In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.

• Inter remain in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
• Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
• The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.