REAL Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. came off the bench to snatch a 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad on Monday as the Spanish champion lost momentum in the title race ahead of next week’s showdown at leader Atletico Madrid. It could have been worse for Zinedine Zidane’s side, with Vinicius’ finish in the 89th minute preventing what would have been a damaging defeat after a weekend in which both Atletico and Barcelona had won. Atletico’s victory over Villarreal on Sunday put the side six points clear of Real Madrid, an advantage that is now only cut to five ahead of next week’s Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico also has a game in hand. The result ends Real Madrid’s run of five consecutive wins while Portu’s brilliant header for Real Sociedad early in the second half was also the first goal conceded by the reigning champion in five games. It represents an important shift in momentum. A few days ago Atletico might have hoped just to hold on to first place next weekend but now the side could spy an opportunity to all but knock its opponents out of the title race. “We’re playing for a lot there,” said Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “We can win, we’re physically strong and we’re getting players back. There’s a lot of time left to keep fighting in La Liga.” Barcelona kept its own resurgence going Saturday by overcoming Sevilla and now sits level on points with Real Madrid, having also played one game fewer than the leader. Real Sociedad sits fifth, the top four seemingly out of reach. Madrid had 20 shots to Real Sociedad’s six but lacked edge in the final third, with the injured Karim Benzema watching on from the stands. “We’ve had games where we won and maybe we didn’t deserve to win as well, we can’t change anything,” said Madrid coach Zidane. “We have to keep going. There is a long way to go.” Benzema could return for the derby and one positive for Zidane was the sight of others returning, with Fede Valverde, Marcelo and Rodrygo all back in his squad. “Karim can be with us, yes, we’re going to see,” said Zidane, when asked about the striker’s chances of facing Atletico.(SD-Agencies) |