Real Betis ended Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten start to the La Liga campaign with a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at La Cartuja, thanks in large part to a critical penalty save in stoppage time. The result leaves both sides level on nine points after four matches.
Kylian Mbappe had the chance to salvage a point deep into the match but saw his spot-kick saved by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. Earlier, Troy Parrott secured the win for the hosts with his first goal for the club, tapping in from close range after Thibaut Courtois had denied Nelson Deossa’s header.
Mourinho’s side, which had won all three of their opening fixtures in his second spell, struggled to break down a disciplined Betis defense. Vinicius Junior struck the post in the first half, while Mbappe was twice thwarted by defensive blocks from Natan Bernardo de Souza and Marc Bartra.
Real Madrid pushed hard for an equalizer in the final stages. Carlos Espi appeared to level the score with an acrobic finish from a Vinicius cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Mbappe also clipped the crossbar with a delicate effort before the penalty incident sealed the memorable upset.
Valles was absolutely immense today. That penalty save sealed a legendary night for Betis!
I can’t believe Mourinho lost his first home league match. This Betis defense looks impenetrable.