Spanish champions Real Madrid failed to close the gap on league leaders and city rivals Atletico Madrid after they managed to earn a late point at the home of Real Sociedad. Real Madrid were unable to secure the win that would keep their run going. Ahead of the league trip to Real Sociedad, Real Madrid had won their last five games in all competitions including the 1-0 away win over Italian Serie A club Atalanta in the first leg of their last 16 clash in the Champions League. Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy was the matchwinner for the Spaniards on that occasion. His second half strike was enough to give Real Madrid an advantage over 10-man Atalanta ahead of their home leg at the round of 16 stage of the Champions League. Real Madrid were on a four-match winning run in the league before the Real Sociedad game. and that saw them close the gap on Atletico Madrid to three points having played a game more but they were not able to maintain that winning form at Real Sociedad as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw.

Real Sociedad took the lead with ten second half minutes gone after a goalless affair in the first 45 minutes. Portu was the scorer of the game’s first goal on 55 minutes and the hosts held on until the penultimate minute of the game when Real Madrid substitute Vinicius Junior scored to earn a share of the spoils for his team. Vinicius Junior had come on for Isco shortly after the hour mark. It was not ideal preparation for Real Madrid who will face Atletico Madrid next in the league.  Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane would take solace that the game didn’t and in defeat for his team thanks to the late goal from Brazilian international Vinicius Junior. Ahead of the Madrid Derby on Sunday, Atletico Madrid have a five-point lead over Real Madrid and have played one game more.