Real Madrid’s winning start under Jose Mourinho came to an end as Troy Parrott’s late goal gave Real Betis a 1-0 victory. Kylian Mbappe missed a stoppage-time penalty to compound the visitors’ frustration.
Madrid had appeared likely to escape with a point after Vinicius Junior was brought down by Natan inside the Betis area. Mbappe stepped up in the fourth minute of added time but Alvaro Valles kept out his effort, completing an outstanding performance in the Betis goal.
The decisive moment had come 10 minutes to the end of normal time. Parrott, the Republic of Ireland striker and a new arrival at Betis, finished after Courtois had saved from a Betis header, giving the hosts a lead Madrid could not overturn.
Madrid thought they had found an equaliser earlier when Carlos Espi produced an acrobatic finish, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.
The defeat ends a perfect opening to Mourinho’s second spell at Madrid. The Portuguese returned to the club after 13 years and had overseen three consecutive victories at the start of the new campaign following two seasons without a trophy.
The result gives Barcelona an opportunity to establish an early three-point advantage over their rivals when they travel to Valencia on Sunday.
