Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Update

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to score despite pressure was decisive in securing three points.

Additional Continental Matches

In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.

In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.

• Inter remain in close contention for the Serie A title.
• Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
• The title race continues with several clubs competing.