Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, bringing the Spanish giants’ perfect start to the LaLiga season to an abrupt end.
Troy Parrott scored the decisive goal for Real Betis in the 81st minute after reacting quickest to Thibaut Courtois’ save from a header. Real Madrid then had chances to rescue a point, with Kylian Mbappe hitting the crossbar before a Carlos Espi bicycle-kick goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The drama continued deep into stoppage time when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after Natan brought down Vinicius Junior inside the box. However, Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles produced the defining moment of the game by saving Mbappe’s spot-kick and securing a famous victory for the hosts.
Mourinho Was Chasing His Own Historic Record
The defeat is particularly painful for Mourinho because of the remarkable record that was within his reach.
During his first spell at Chelsea, Mourinho’s side went 40 consecutive Premier League matches without losing between 2004 and 2005. It remains one of the most impressive unbeaten runs of his managerial career.
Now, after an extraordinary run across three clubs, Mourinho had moved to within touching distance of that mark.
His 37-game unbeaten streak consisted of 30 matches with Benfica, four with Fenerbahce and three with Real Madrid. He had also guided Benfica through the entirety of the previous season without suffering a league defeat, despite ultimately failing to win the title.
That meant Mourinho needed only three more unbeaten league matches to equal his Chelsea record of 40, while a fourth consecutive unbeaten game would have taken him to 41 and officially broken it.
Instead, Real Betis ended the run at 37.
Real Madrid Pay the Price for Missed Chances
For much of the contest, Real Madrid appeared capable of extending their unbeaten run. Mourinho himself insisted afterwards that he could not fault his players’ attitude and felt his team had performed well collectively.
But football is ultimately decided by goals, and Madrid failed to convert their opportunities.
Mbappe’s missed penalty proved particularly costly. With the score at 1-0 and virtually the final opportunity of the match, the French forward had the chance to extend Mourinho’s remarkable unbeaten streak. Valles, however, stood firm and preserved Betis’ lead.
The result also ended Real Madrid’s perfect LaLiga start, making it a night to remember for the home side and a frustrating one for Mourinho.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid Must Bounce Back
While the historic record is now gone forever, Mourinho and Real Madrid cannot afford to dwell on the disappointment for long.
Their next match provides the perfect opportunity to respond, as Mourinho’s side will begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.
After seeing a 37-game unbeaten league run disappear in Seville, Real Madrid will be desperate to return to winning ways on the European stage.