Key Takeaways
- Kylian Mbappe misses late penalty for Real Madrid.
- Troy Parrott scores for Real Betis in a 1-0 win.
- Jose Mourinho’s side ends perfect start to La Liga season.
Real Betis secured a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid on Friday, ending Jose Mourinho’s side’s perfect start to the La Liga season. The match, played at La Cartuja, saw Troy Parrott score his first goal for the club, providing a memorable win for the home team.
Real Madrid, under Mourinho’s second spell in charge, had won their first three matches. However, their dominance was short-lived as Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles denied Mbappe from the spot in the final moments of the game, sealing the victory.
Real Madrid had several chances to equalize. Vinicius Junior hit the post in the first half, and Mbappe was twice denied by heroic blocks from Natan and Marc Bartra after a rapid counter-attack.
Betis took the lead nine minutes before halftime when Parrott fired home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois produced a fine save to keep out Nelson Deossa’s header. The Republic of Ireland striker, who arrived in Seville last month on a five-year deal from AZ Alkmaar, delivered a clinical finish that fans hope to see regularly.
Despite creating numerous chances, Real Madrid could not find the equalizer. Mbappe’s delicate effort brushed the crossbar, and his late penalty was saved by Valles, who made three or four exceptional saves in the match.
Mourinho expressed frustration after the defeat, stating, “The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and cannot explain how. We were really dominant, created a lot going forward and had plenty of chances. If the match had ended in a draw we would have been frustrated, so imagine how we feel after a defeat.”
The Portuguese coach refused to comment on refereeing controversies, saying, “Honestly, I don’t know why we lost. We created a lot of chances, missed three or four of them and their goalkeeper also made three or four exceptional saves. I have nothing to reproach my players for. We probably deserved to win, but deserving to win does not earn you any points.”
Barcelona can move three points clear at the top on Sunday with a fourth straight victory if they beat Valencia at Mestalla. Real Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign at home to Inter Milan next Tuesday, while Betis will travel to France to face Lille.
The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and cannot explain how.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Honestly, I don’t know why we lost. We created a lot of chances, missed three or four of them and their goalkeeper also made three or four exceptional saves.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
