In 2018, Mariano returned to club Real Madrid following a successful season away at Olympique Lyon. When he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu, the 29-year-old was unable to display the same level of form, and he quickly dropped in the standings. With only 11 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid previous season, the striker has scarcely played under Carlo Ancelotti. In 2022–2023, he has played on the field just five occasions, totaling a meagre 25 minutes.
His contract with Real Madrid will not be renewed at the end of the current campaign, and Mariano is certain to become a free agent in the summer. However, by picking him up during the current winter transfer window proper, Italian club Lazio are trying to hasten his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu.