Mbappe denied at the death as Betis beat Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s perfect start to the LaLiga season ended in Seville, where Real Betis won 1-0 after Troy Parrott scored nine minutes from time and Alvaro Valles saved a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappe.

The match began at a high tempo, but the pace dropped after halftime in the heat. Parrott, introduced in the 68th minute, broke the deadlock in the 81st after reacting quickly to Thibaut Courtois’ save from a header.

Madrid came close to responding. Mbappe struck the crossbar four minutes later, while substitute Carlos Espi appeared to equalise with a spectacular bicycle kick. VAR ruled out the goal for offside. Betis then nearly extended its lead when Nelson Deossa tried a long-range shot after catching Courtois off his line, but the goalkeeper recovered.

“

I don’t know how we lost because we played very well collectively. I cannot fault the attitude of any of my players. We deserved to win but deserving to win does not give you points.

Madrid earned one final chance deep into stoppage time after Natan brought down Vinicius Junior in the area. Valles saved Mbappe’s penalty to preserve the hosts’ lead and secure three points.

Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said his team had played well collectively and that he could not fault the players’ attitude. He also suggested Betis had benefited from greater experience in managing such moments, saying the Madrid players were “very honest” while Betis used the support of their home crowd to gain advantages.

“

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.