Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky display.

League Table Overview

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

Inter’s ability to score despite pressure proved decisive in earning three points.

Other Continental Matches

Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.

Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
• Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
• The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.