Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from the draw with Real Sociedad

Real Madrid dropped more points in the title race on Monday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, but Madridistas do feel relieved that they were even able to salvage a point. Los Blancos had a rough start to the second half against Real Sociedad, surrendering a headed goal to Portu. But the young trio of Fede Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, and Vinicius Junior made a big impact off the bench, with Vini scoring the game-tying goal late.

Let’s ask five burning questions in the aftermath of Real’s latest match.

Will Mariano Diaz start again?

Mariano Diaz is the weakest link in the Real Madrid lineup right now. He recorded no meaningful statistics in an hour of game time, as Zinedine Zidane finally yanked him off the pitch for the unproven Hugo Duro, who might as well play over him at this point.

The good news for Madridistas is that Karim Benzema is expected to return for the weekend’s crucial fixture at the Wanda Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid. So as long as Benzema stays healthy, we may not have to see Mariano start again.

He has truly been horrible since an early goal months ago against Villarreal, and this performance against Real Sociedad was a real low point for the 27-year-old.