Mbappe penalty miss hands Real Madrid first defeat under Mourinho

Kylian Mbappe missed a stoppage-time penalty as Troy Parrott scored his first goal for Real Betis in a dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid on Friday, ending Jose Mourinho’s side’s perfect start to the La Liga season.

Real Madrid had won all three of their opening matches since Mourinho began his second spell in charge, but Alvaro Valles produced a decisive save to deny Mbappe from the spot and secure a famous Betis success in Seville. The match took place at La Cartuja, while the victory was also described as coming at Benito Villamarin Stadium.

The result moved Betis level with Real Madrid on nine points from four matches and gave the Seville club a major boost before their second appearance in the Champions League.

Madrid created the clearer openings during a lively first half. Vinicius Junior struck the post after Arda Guler sent the ball across the face of goal, while Mbappe was denied twice in quick succession by determined blocks from Natan and Marc Bartra following a swift counter-attack.

Betis eventually delivered the decisive blow nine minutes from the end. Thibaut Courtois made an excellent stop to keep out Nelson Deossa’s header, but Parrott reacted quickest to the rebound and fired into the net.

The Republic of Ireland striker joined Betis from AZ Alkmaar last month on a five-year contract. He marked his home debut with a composed finish that will encourage supporters hoping he can reproduce the scoring form he showed during his prolific spell in the Netherlands.

Real Madrid thought they had restored parity when Carlos Espi produced an outstanding acrobatic finish from a Vinicius cross. However, the effort was ruled out because of an offside earlier in the move.

Mbappe then came within inches of scoring when a delicate effort clipped the crossbar. His best opportunity arrived moments later after Natan was penalised for a forceful late challenge on Vinicius inside the area.

Valles stood between Madrid and an equaliser, saving Mbappe’s penalty deep into added time to complete a memorable performance.

Mourinho acknowledged that his team had dominated large periods of the match but said their failure to convert their chances had proved costly.

“The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and cannot explain how,” said Mourinho.

“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 manager was also asked about the late incidents, including Espi’s disallowed goal and Mbappe’s missed penalty, but declined to criticise the officials.

“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,” said Mourinho.

“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 of La Liga on Sunday if they beat Valencia at Mestalla, which would give them a fourth consecutive victory.

Real Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign at home against Italian champions Inter Milan next Tuesday. Betis start their European campaign away in France against Lille.