Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 La Liga campaign after a late Troy Parrott goal handed Real Betis a 1-0 victory on Friday.
Jose Mourinho’s side started brightly and had several opportunities to take control of the contest, but their failure to convert those chances ultimately proved costly.
Arda Guler was among Madrid’s most dangerous players early on.
The Turkey international delivered a dangerous ball across the box, but Vinicius Junior could only hit the outside of the post from close range.
Madrid continued to threaten before the break, with Kylian Mbappe missing two excellent opportunities within a short period.
Vinicius set up the French forward, but Betis defenders Natan and Marc Bartra produced crucial blocks to deny him.
Jude Bellingham also went close with a header from a Guler corner as the visitors entered half-time without a goal.
Betis improved after the interval and made life increasingly difficult for Madrid, who struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute.
Thibaut Courtois initially denied Nelson Deossa’s header from a corner, but substitute Parrott reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home.
Madrid appeared to have found an immediate response when Carlos Espi scored with an acrobatic overhead kick from Vinicius’ cross.
However, the goal was ruled out by VAR after Espi was adjudged to have strayed offside.
The drama continued deep into stoppage time when Madrid were awarded a penalty after Vinicius was brought down by Natan.
Mbappe took responsibility but endured another frustrating moment, sending his spot-kick wide of the corner as goalkeeper Alvaro Valles guessed correctly and kept it out.
Madrid were further frustrated when Bartra appeared to encroach into the penalty area while clearing the rebound, but the penalty was not ordered to be retaken.
The defeat ends Madrid’s unbeaten start under Mourinho and leaves them at risk of losing further ground in the title race.
They will also be unable to return to the top of the table, with Barcelona capable of moving three points clear if they defeat Valencia on Sunday.
