Real Madrid’s perfect start to the LaLiga season ended after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, with substitute Troy Parrott scoring nine minutes from time and goalkeeper Alvaro Valles saving Kylian Mbappe’s stoppage-time penalty.
The match began at a high tempo, but the pace dropped after the break as the heat intensified in Seville.
Parrott, introduced in the 68th minute, broke the deadlock in the 81st when he reacted quickest after Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried a header into his path.
Mbappe struck the crossbar four minutes later, before Real thought they had equalised through substitute Carlos Espi.
He met Vinicius Junior’s cross with a spectacular bicycle kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Betis almost doubled their lead when Nelson Deossa attempted to catch Courtois off his line with a long-range effort, but the goalkeeper recovered to make the save.
Real were handed a final chance deep into stoppage time when Natan brought down Vinicius inside the area. However, Valles saved Mbappe’s spot-kick to preserve Betis’ lead and secure all three points.
“I don’t know how we lost because we played very well collectively. I cannot fault the attitude of any of my players,” Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho said.
“We deserved to win, but deserving to win does not give you points. I’m very happy with my players. I cannot fault any of them individually.”
“As for the penalty, when one of us steps up to take it, we all stand together. The Betis players are more streetwise than the Madrid players, who are very honest. With the backing of a fantastic crowd, they manage to gain these kinds of advantages.”
