Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.

Standings Update

Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.

Game Summary

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.

Other Continental Action

Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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 had the final say late in stoppage time.

In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.

• The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
• Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
• The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.