Real Betis Stun Real Madrid: Mourinho Suffers First Defeat of the Season
- Striker Cédric Bakambu scored the game's only goal in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a rebound after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved a corner kick.
- Kylian Mbappé tested Real Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles multiple times in the first half, while defender Dean Huijsen struck the crossbar just before halftime.
- As control of the fixture began to slip, Mourinho turned to his bench, introducing Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomandé, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in search of a late winner.
Striker Cédric Bakambu scored the game’s only goal in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a rebound after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved a corner kick. The loss arrives just ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign.
Real Madrid Waste Early Dominance Against Real Betis
Kylian Mbappé tested Real Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles multiple times in the first half, while defender Dean Huijsen struck the crossbar just before halftime. Vinícius Júnior also came close to scoring in the 15th minute, but his shot struck the post following an assist from Arda Güler. Despite registering heavy attacking pressure and maintaining long spells of possession, Real Madrid lacked a decisive finish. That standard failed to materialize as the match progressed into the second half.
Substitutions Fail to Spark Breakthrough as Bakambu Strikes
As control of the fixture began to slip, Mourinho turned to his bench, introducing Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomandé, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in search of a late winner. Those tactical changes failed to alter the scoreline. Real Madrid pressed frantically for an equalizer in the closing moments. Defender Asencio had an apparent goal disallowed for offside by the officiating crew. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Mbappé missed a penalty kick, sealing an unfortunate evening for the capital club.
