Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.

Standings Update

Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.

Match Recap

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 made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.

Other European Matches

In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.

Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.