Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid. A first defeat of the season for Real Madrid… Here is my immediate reaction to the loss. More for you: Player ratings, quotes and a podcast.
So far so good for Real Madrid this season, but Real Betis would represent a different challenge – and were unlikely to back down without a fight. Denzel Dumfries was back in the line-up, with Marc Cucurella getting the start on the other side. The rest of the team was as imagined by many prior to the match, with Yan Diomande still
waiting for his chance. Some familiar faces littered the opposition squad. Fede Valverde captained the team.
The first half was a story of untaken chances, with Dean Huijsen testing the keeper and Vinícius Júnior hitting the post. Betis then had a couple of opportunities denied before Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham ended the half with misses of their own (before Dean again came close, hitting the crossbar). All square at the break.
A red mist descended unto the field in the second half. Yellow cards were dished out in numbers, and chances began to slow down. Kylian Mbappé came the closest for Madrid – before Troy Parrott put Betis ahead after coming off of the bench. Carlos Espí appeared to cement himself as Madrid’s very own super-sub, but his late equaliser was revoked by VAR for offside. Madrid were unable to find a leveller in the remaining minutes. 1-0 the final score, and a first stumble, early on in the season. Are you calm or has the panic button been firmly pressed?
