Real Madrid's Perfect Start Ends in Defeat to Real Betis
Real Madrid’s perfect start to the league season was ripped up in Seville, and it happened in the most brutal way possible: a 95th‑minute penalty, Kylian Mbappé over the ball, and a goalkeeper refusing to play along with the script.
On the same night that Paris Saint-Germain let a lead slip in Ligue 1, Madrid were handed their first La Liga defeat of the campaign, beaten 1-0 by a sharp, fearless Real Betis side. It was also the first loss of Jose Mourinho’s return spell in charge.
Parrott pounces, Courtois beaten at the second attempt
The decisive moment came from a player making his own fresh start. Troy Parrott, the Irish forward newly arrived at Betis, seized his chance in front of a roaring home crowd.
Thibaut Courtois initially did his part, reacting superbly to keep out a powerful header from a Betis teammate. But the rebound dropped loose in the box, and Parrott was alive to it. One touch, one finish, and Betis had their shock lead.
Madrid, who had walked into the game with three wins from three in La Liga, suddenly looked vulnerable. Betis, smelling blood, pressed and harried, while Mourinho’s side struggled to find rhythm in the final third.
Mbappé’s late penalty drama
For all their possession, Madrid had to wait until deep into stoppage time for a clear route back into the match.
Vinícius Júnior, as so often, provided it. Bursting into the area, he drew a rash challenge from Natan, who cut him down and left the referee with little choice. Penalty. One last lifeline.
Mbappé stepped up. The clock showed 95 minutes. The stage belonged to him.
But Álvaro Vallés had been outstanding all night, and he refused to let it end on Madrid’s terms. Reading Mbappé’s effort, the Betis goalkeeper threw himself across and smothered the spot kick, wrapping both hands around the ball and, with it, the result.
The whistle followed soon after. Madrid’s perfect record was gone. Betis had their statement win. And Vallés, not Mbappé, walked off as the man who decided the night.
