Real Madrid lost 1‑0 to Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja, ending their unbeaten start to the 2026‑27 LaLiga campaign. The defeat snapped a three‑match winning streak and left the side trailing in the early table.
Betis secure upset with late strike
The Andalusian club, already holding two wins from three games, opened scoring in the 81st minute. Troy Parrott reacted to a rebound after Thibaut Courtois saved the initial attempt, slotting the ball past the keeper.
Although the visitors dominated possession, they failed to turn pressure into goals. The French forward, who recorded the most touches inside the box, missed a stoppage‑time penalty when Alvaro Valles parried his shot. A corner that followed was cleared after Marc Bartra appeared to encroach, but the referee allowed play to continue.
Statistically, the attacker won just 38% of ground duels and did not register a decisive touch, despite logging the highest shot total for his side. Four clear chances went unanswered, highlighting the defensive intensity applied by the hosts.
Supporters vent frustration on social media
Fans flooded platforms with criticism. One user wrote, “Mbappé single‑handedly cost us this game.” Another declared, “That is the worst game I’ve ever seen Mbappé play.” A third tweet read, “Might be the worst Mbappé game I’ve ever seen.”
Additional posts compared the striker unfavorably with Paris Saint‑Germain teammate Ferran Torres, with one supporter stating, “I take Ferran with one leg over Mbappé everyday.” A separate comment called watching the forward “depressing.”
These reactions highlight the disappointment felt by a fanbase accustomed to high‑impact displays from their marquee signing.
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The loss illustrates how a missed penalty can shift momentum in a tightly contested match. When a squad relies heavily on a single player for scoring, any lapse magnifies the risk of dropping points, especially in early‑season fixtures where every result influences the race for European spots.
Betis will celebrate their victory.
Madrid entered the match in a 4‑3‑3 shape, seeking width on the flanks. The midfield trio struggled to link defense and attack, often leaving gaps that Betis exploited.
Defensive errors in the final ten minutes allowed the hosts to capitalize, exposing a need for tighter organization at the back.
Despite the setback, the team remains unbeaten in its first three outings, having netted ten goals overall. The coach, who has not won at the Betis venue since 2021, will need to adjust tactics to break the stalemate in future encounters.
Next week the side travels to face Sevilla, a test of resilience that could determine its position in the early standings. If the club can convert chances, it could finish in the top three.
