Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Update

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

Game Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.

Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.

Other European Matches

Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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 last word deep into added time.

Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.