Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.

Standings Update

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.

Match Summary

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.

Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.

Other Continental Action

In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.

Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.

• The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
• Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
• The title race goes on with several teams competing.