Real Madrid’s perfect start under José Mourinho came to an end on Friday night as Real Betis secured a 1–0 victory at La Cartuja. Troy Parrott’s late goal and Álvaro Valles’ stoppage-time penalty save gave Manuel Pellegrini’s side three points and handed Madrid their first defeat of Mourinho’s second spell.
Madrid had won their opening three league matches, but Betis exposed several familiar weaknesses. Mourinho selected Eduardo Camavinga alongside Federico Valverde in midfield, while Bernardo Silva began on the bench despite being unavailable for the upcoming Champions League meeting with Inter Milan because of suspension. The midfield pairing struggled to provide Madrid with consistent control. [1323][1338]
Madrid still created the better opportunities during the first half. Arda Güler released Vinícius Júnior into space near the penalty area, but the Brazilian’s tight-angle shot struck the post. Kylian Mbappé also saw promising efforts blocked as Betis defended their box with determination.
Betis had been looking to recover from a 5–2 defeat by Levante, and their defensive response was one of the defining features of the match. Natan and Marc Bartra repeatedly intervened to deny Madrid’s forwards, while Valles produced a series of important saves to keep the score level.
## Parrott Decides Match
The decisive moment came in the 81st minute. Betis worked the ball into the area, and Parrott finished from close range after Thibaut Courtois had made an initial save from a header. The goal was Parrott’s first for Betis and gave the home side a lead they refused to surrender.
Madrid appeared to equalise when Carlos Espí produced an acrobatic finish late in the match, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review for offside. The disallowed effort intensified Madrid’s frustration and ensured that Betis remained in front.
## Mbappé Misses Chance
Madrid were awarded a penalty in stoppage time after Vinícius was brought down by Natan. Mbappé stepped forward with the chance to rescue a point, but his low effort was saved by Valles.
Madrid appealed for the kick to be retaken, arguing that Marc Bartra had encroached before the ball was struck. The officials rejected the appeal, allowing Valles’ save to stand and securing Betis’ victory.
Mourinho expressed his frustration after the match, insisting that Madrid had controlled much of the contest and created enough chances to win. The defeat nevertheless highlighted problems in both execution and midfield balance, with Mbappé’s missed penalty adding to a night of squandered opportunities.
## Pressure Before Inter
The result leaves Betis and Madrid level on nine points after four matches, with both sides recording three wins and one defeat.
Madrid now face a quick response test before their Champions League group-stage opener against Inter Milan on September 9. Mourinho must address his team’s finishing, defensive concentration and midfield structure while managing absences affecting players including Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio.
Betis, meanwhile, can take confidence from a disciplined performance that combined defensive resilience with late attacking decisiveness. Their victory ended Madrid’s early momentum and established Pellegrini’s side as a serious obstacle in the opening weeks of the season.
