Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.

League Table Update

Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.

Game Summary

Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in securing three points.

Other Continental Matches

In Spain, the Basque side staged 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. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.

Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.