Madrid held by Sociedad ahead of derby against Atlético

Real Madrid missed a chance to move closer to Spanish league leader Atlético Madrid ahead of their derby next weekend when it drew at home with Real Sociedad 1-1 on Monday.

The draw, halting Madrid’s four-game winning streak in the league, left the club five points from its city rival, which has a game in hand. Madrid has the same 53 points as second-placed Barcelona but trails on goal difference.

A win would have moved Madrid within three points of Atlético, with a chance to take over the lead on Sunday in the city derby at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Real Madrid's Isco, center, and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi vie for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)

Sociedad, which had won three in a row in the league, stayed in fifth place, six points from fourth-placed Sevilla in the final Champions League place.

Madrid struggled against Sociedad’s well-organized team at Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium.

Cristian Portu opened the scoring for the visitors with a header in the 55th minute, taking advantage of some soft defending by Madrid left back Ferland Mendy. Madrid became more exposed defensively after switching from a 4-3-3 formation to 3-5-2 at halftime.

Real Sociedad's Portu, right scores during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)

Vinícius Júnior equalized in the 89th with a shot from inside the area.

Madrid forward Mariano Díaz came close by hitting the crossbar earlier in the game, and midfielder Casemiro also wasted a couple of good opportunities with second-half headers that flew wide.

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Real Sociedad's Portu, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)

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Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, center, celebrates after scoring the equalizer during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring the equalizer during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)

Real Madrid's head coach Zinedine Zidane waits for the start of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)

Real Madrid's head coach Zinedine Zidane waits for the start of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP PhotoBernat Armangue)