Real Madrid’s Perfect Start Ends in Seville

Real Madrid’s perfect start to the league season was ripped up in Seville, and it happened in the most brutal way possible: a 95th-minute penalty, Kylian Mbappé over the ball, and a goalkeeper refusing to play his part in the script.

On a night when Paris Saint-Germain also let a lead slip in Ligue 1 to suffer their first domestic loss, Madrid followed them through the trapdoor. Jose Mourinho’s side, unbeaten since his return to the Bernabéu dugout, were dragged into a street fight by Real Betis and lost it 1-0.

Parrott stuns Madrid

The decisive moment in open play came from a newcomer. Troy Parrott, the Irish striker brought in to sharpen Betis’ attack, seized his chance with the kind of instinct that rewrites games and headlines.

A Betis header forced Thibaut Courtois into a sharp save, the Madrid goalkeeper reacting well to push the ball away. It should have been enough. It wasn’t. Parrott pounced on the rebound and knocked it in, sending the home crowd into delirium and Madrid into a scramble.

From that point, the pattern was clear. Betis dug in, fought for every loose ball, and trusted Álvaro Vallés to stand tall behind them. Madrid, who had cruised through their first three La Liga fixtures with three wins from three, suddenly looked short on ideas and time.

Mbappé’s late chance, Vallés’ big moment

The lifeline arrived deep into stoppage time. Vinícius Júnior drove into the box, chopped inside, and was cut down by Natan. The referee pointed to the spot. No hesitation. No debate.

Up stepped Mbappé in the 95th minute, the man Madrid expect to turn tight nights into routine victories. The stadium held its breath. Vallés didn’t.

The Betis goalkeeper guessed right, smothered Mbappé’s penalty, and with it crushed Madrid’s last hope of salvaging a point. It was the crowning moment of a superb performance from Vallés, who had already frustrated Madrid throughout the night.

The final whistle followed soon after. Mourinho’s return run, flawless until now, had its first scar. Madrid’s perfect record is gone. The question now is how quickly they turn this sting into a response.