In his post-match reaction, Portuguese manager, Jose Mourinho, said, he can’t “explain” how his side, Real Madrid, lost by a lone goal to Real Betis in the La Liga 2026/27 match on Friday 4 September, 2026 at Estadio de La Cartuja.
The game had French forward, Kylian Mbappe, lose a late penalty as the Los Blancos suffered their first loss since the return of pro football coach José Mourinho.
Real Betis netted their goal in the 81st minute through Troy Parrott; the Irish striker converted a ball that Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, did well to save from a header by a Betis teammate.
But, the visitors did well to fight back and level in the 87th minute through Carlos Espi, only for the goal to be cancelled by Video Assistant Referee (VAR); the Spanish forward’s acrobatic finish was ruled out by the video review system for offside.
France star, Mbappe, appeared set to hand Real Madrid a share of the spoils from the contest when he stepped forward in the 4th minute of additional time for a penalty kick, which was earned by Brazil winger, Vinicius Junior, but, Real Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles denied the former Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG) player.
In his post-defeat reaction via Real Madrid X account, Mourinho said: “sometimes you lose and don’t know why or how to explain it”.
Real Madrid are looking to clinch a trophy with the return of Mourinho to Santiago Bernabeu after thirteen (13) years after he had his first spell with the club as manager.
The outcome in Seville hands Hansi Flick’s Barcelona the opportunity to create an early three-point lead over their rivals when they travel to Valencia on Sunday for their top flight showdown.
Barcelona will do battle with Valencia in the La Liga match on Sunday 6 September, 2026 at Mestalla in València at 15:15 (WAT).
Next for Real Madrid and Real Betis?
On Tuesday 8 September, 2026, Real Madrid will lock horns with Italian Serie A side, Inter, in the Uefa Champions League 2026/27 League Phase match at Santiago Bernabeu at 20:00 (WAT).
While, Real Betis will face Lille in the UCL match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d’Ascq, same day and time as Real Madrid.
The Los Blancos had ample chances to have maintained their 100% start to the season on Friday with Vinicius’ effort striking the post and Mbappe being wasteful after squandering two (2) chances before the end of the first half.
