Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.

Standings Overview

Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to convert even with pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.

Other European Matches

Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.

In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.