Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.

Standings Update

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.

Game Summary

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.

Additional European Matches

Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a dramatic fightback 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.

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

• Inter stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
• Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
• The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.