Real Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad: 5 talking points as Los Blancos falter on home turf | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Vinicius Jr marks milestone for Real Madrid with important goal

Vinicius Junior scored a late equalizer for Real Madrid Atalanta v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg One

Vinicius Jr joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in a big-money move in 2018. Despite having all the tools to be a genuine world-beater, the 20-year-old still lacks the end-product that would have set him apart as a true great.

In many ways, he is still very much an unrefined product, which has been rather disappointing considering the high levels he has been playing at for the last three years.

Having lost his place in the starting lineup in recent weeks, the Brazil international stepped off the bench against Real Sociedad with just under 30 minutes remaining.

This happened to be his 100th appearance for Real Madrid (with 13 goals scored), and only three players in the club's history have made a century of appearances at a younger age than him.

All three are bonafide legends, with Raul Gonzalez, Jose Camacho and Iker Casillas all having written their names into the club's folklore.

💯 What a way to mark your 100th game, @vinijr! ⚽👏 #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/qrOusALmh0

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 1, 2021

With time running out, Vinicius happened to be in the right place at the right time to get a deserved equalizer for Real Madrid.

This was only his third goal from 22 La Liga appearances this season (underlining his lack of end product). It was his first goal in the league since scoring the opener in the 2-0 away victory over Levante on 4 October 2020.

#2 Zinedine Zidane's ill-advised half-time switch backfires

Zidane's tactical switch backfired

Real Madrid were totally dominant in the first half and barely allowed Real Sociedad a sniff of the ball. David Silva was largely on the periphery, and the visitors relied on counterattacks to try and get something out of the game.

However, Zidane made a rather curious decision to switch to a back-three at the start of the second half, with Casemiro dropping back into the center of defense.

This saw Real Madrid lose their previous grip in midfield, as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were overrun by David Silva, Mikel Oyarzabal and Ander Guevera. It also gave the visitors the impetus to attack down the flanks, with Nacho Monreal and Gorosabel having a lot of room on the wings.

In what was a shocking start to the second half, the hosts struggled to hold on to possession and were there for the taking by their Basque opponents.

Monreal took up the free space that was available to him and made the cross that led to the opening goal.

Apart from the goal, Real Sociedad also fashioned some other notable chances to down Real Madrid. However, they failed to take them.

🔄 61' | 0-1 | Substitutions:@vinijr ↔️ @isco_alarcon@RodrygoGoes ↔️ @marcoasensio10#HankookTire pic.twitter.com/CPbileefaD

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 1, 2021

Zidane quickly realized his errors and reverted to a flat back four protected by a three-man midfield. This ultimately saw the home side seize the initiative to put Sociedad back on the backfoot.

Speaking after the game, the Real Madrid manager expressed his dissatisfaction with the pressing of his team in the first half. He, however, conceded that his team is best-suited to a 4-3-3.

#1 In-form Alexander Isak fails to make history

Levante UD v Real Sociedad - La Liga Santander

Alexander Isak came into this game as one of the most in-form forwards in La Liga, having scored 12 goals from his 21 games in the league this season.

His most recent haul saw him net a hat-trick in the 4-0 demolition of Alaves last week. This ensured that he scored in six games consecutively, equalling the feat achieved by Darko Kovacevic - who netted eight goals in six consecutive La Liga games for Real Sociedad in 2002.

Despite coming up against the might of Real Madrid, the Sweden international would have fancied his chances of finding the back of the net considering his superb form.

However, a lack of service in the opening stages ensured that he did not get too many chances, although he had a good chance to run at the hosts' defense in the first half.

Isak's best chance of the night came when a defensive error by Nacho allowed Portu to find him in the box at the start of the second half. However, he delayed his run to the near post and could not take advantage of the excellent square ball.

The 21-year-old was substituted in the 82nd minute for Carlos Fernandez, ensuring that his record-breaking run in front of goal came to an end.