Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.

League Table Overview

Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.

Game Summary

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.

Other Continental Action

Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.

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

• The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A title.
• Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
• The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.