Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.

Standings Update

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.

Game Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.

Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.

Other Continental Matches

Across in Spain, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.

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

• The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
• Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
• The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.