Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.

Standings Overview

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.

Match Summary

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in earning three points.

Other European Action

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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.

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