Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders

Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.

League Table Overview

Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.

Game Summary

Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener 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 ability to convert despite pressure was decisive in securing the victory.

Other Continental Action

In Spain, Real Sociedad staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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 deep into stoppage time.

In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.