Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.

League Table Update

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.

The team’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing three points.

Other European Matches

In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ 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 delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.

In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.

• Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
• Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
• The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.