Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty as Troy Parrott scored his first goal for Real Betis in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid on Friday, ending Jose Mourinho’s side’s perfect start to the La Liga season.
Vinicius Junior hit the post in the first half from Arda Guler’s pass across the face of goal, with Mbappe foiled twice by heroic blocks from Natan and Marc Bartra after a rapid Madrid counter-attack. Carlos Espi thought he had equalised with a superb acrobatic finish from a Vinicius cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up. However, Valles saved his attempt to secure a victory that lifted Betis level with Madrid on nine points from four matches ahead of just their second Champions League appearance next week. Asked about the incidents in the closing stages, including Espi’s disallowed goal and Mbappe’s fluffed penalty, the Portuguese coach refused to be drawn into refereeing controversies. “I have nothing to reproach my players for. We probably deserved to win, but deserving to win does not earn you any points.
Barcelona can move three points clear at the top on Sunday with a fourth straight victory if they beat Valencia at Mestalla.
