Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Update

Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.

Match Summary

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.

Other Continental Action

Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.

In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
• Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
• The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.