After three consecutive victories, José Mourinho's Real Madrid suffered their first stumble of the campaign at La Cartuja. Los Blancos succumbed to a Real Betis side galvanised by a fervent home support in a fiercely contested clash where the visitors arguably merited more. Mourinho's charges carved out a succession of openings but were repeatedly thwarted by the woodwork, a stubborn Betis backline, and an inspired Alvaro Valles.

The closing stages are bound to spark fierce debate following a disallowed goal and a missed penalty that Madrid adamantly insisted should have been retaken. Nevertheless, the points stayed in Seville courtesy of the sharp instincts of Troy Parrott, whose decisive intervention proved that claiming the league crown will be an arduous battle for any challenger.

Real Betis: It proved to be a rollercoaster evening for the 'Verdiblancos', who produced their most threatening moments in response to Madrid's dominant spells. Antony carried the greatest threat with direct driving runs across the area, whilst Isco struggled to make an impact. Natan was commanding at centre-back until conceding the spot-kick, and Parrott, ever the poacher, was on hand at the crucial moment to make it 1-0. Yet the plaudits belonged firmly to Alvaro Valles, who proved the match-winner with a string of vital stops, including a penalty save.

Real Madrid: The visitors lost impetus after an assertive start at La Cartuja. They deserved to lead comfortably in the first half, but Mbappé lacked his usual clinical edge, while the frame of the goal denied both Vinicius and Huijsen. Bellingham and Guler, having dictated the tempo across the opening 45 minutes, gradually faded from the contest as Mourinho's men struggled to penetrate until a desperate late onslaught after conceding. The finale was pure drama, featuring a Mbappé effort against the post, a disallowed goal for Espí, and a missed penalty from Kylian.

Match stats for Real Betis vs Real Madrid in La Liga, 4 September 2026. BeSoccer

Álvaro Valles

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