La Cartuja Hails an Imperial Valles After Betis Defeat Real Madrid

More than 66,000 spectators at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium chanted “Valles, Valles, Valles” after Álvaro Valles produced a decisive performance in Real Betis’ 1-0 victory over Real Madrid.

The Betis goalkeeper made several important saves and completed his display by stopping Kylian Mbappé’s penalty in stoppage time. Valles said the final minutes had been tense because of Real Madrid’s attacking strength, but Betis managed to hold on.

“

We have had that bit of luck that is sometimes needed.

“We have had that bit of luck that is sometimes needed,” Valles told Movistar+. He shared the credit with his teammates, saying they had “given everything,” and stressed the importance of continuing to make Betis strong at home.

“

The final minutes were very exciting and tense. We know Real Madrid's attacking ability. Fortunately, we were able to see the victory through.

Valles also explained that he had prepared specifically for Mbappé’s penalty-taking. He said he had worked with Toni Doblas in recent weeks and noticed that Mbappé had sent his previous two penalties wide. Valles decided before the match which way he would dive if the French forward took one.

Before the kick, he tried to unsettle Mbappé by telling him, “How lucky, a penalty at that minute.” Valles also said he could not tell whether Marc Bartra had entered the area early during the penalty after the incident was reviewed.

“

How lucky, a penalty at that minute.