Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.

League Table Overview

Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.

Inter’s ability to score even with pressure proved crucial in securing three points.

Other European Action

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

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

• The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Serie A crown.
• Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
• The battle for first continues with multiple teams competing.