Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid: Match review | La Liga

Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid: Match review | La Liga Real Madrid have lost for the first time in the 2026-27 season, as their dismal recent record away at Real Betis continued with a 1-0 defeat. Mourinho opted to bring Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Arda Guler back into the line-up , and his Real Madrid side came out of the blocks well – and they should have scored early on. Guler was a particular danger, and his ball across the box was met at the back post by Vinicius Junior, who was unable to wrap his foot around it completely, which led to him hitting the outside of the post with the goal at his mercy. Three minutes before half time, Kylian Mbappe missed two even bigger chances to open the scoring. After being played in by Vinicius, Betis defensive pair Natan and Marc Bartra produced back-to-back goal-saving blocks to stop the Frenchman from notching his fifth of the season when he really should have been finding the back of the net. Jude Bellingham also came close with a header from Guler’s corner, but Real Madrid had to settle for being level at half time. Real Madrid had a much more difficult time in the second half, particularly when it came to creating chances. Mbappe had a couple of half-chances, but his sitters in the opening period came back to haunt his side when Betis took the lead in the 81st minute. Thibaut Courtois did brilliantly to stop Nelson Deossa’s header from a corner, but he was powerless to deny substitute Troy Parrott with the rebound. Real Madrid fall foul to late VAR drama Real Madrid thought they were not behind for long when substitute Carlos Espi, who came on immediate after Betis’ goal, score a spectacular overhead kick from Vinicius’ cross. However, replayed showed that he was agonisingly ahead of the final defender, which meant that VAR ruled out the goal. There was more drama in stoppage time when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after Vinicius was taken out by compatriot Natan. Mbappe stepped up, but his effort summed up his night – it was nowhere near the corner, and with Alvaro Valles guessing the right way, he easily kept it out. Replays showed that Marc Bartra, who made the clearance on the rebound, encroached on the penalty area, but surprisingly, no retake was ordered. It means that Real Madrid lose for the first time under Mourinho, while also failing to go back to the top of La Liga. They will fall three points behind expected title rivals Barcelona if the Catalans win on Sunday against Valencia.