Real Betis End Real Madrid’s Perfect La Liga Start with Late Troy Parrott Winner

Real Madrid’s perfect start to the 2026-27 La Liga season was brought to a halt on Friday as Real Betis claimed a 1-0 victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. The decisive moment came late in the match when Irish substitute Troy Parrott scored nine minutes from time, while Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles denied a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappé.

The match, played in the sweltering heat of Seville, began at a frenetic pace, with both teams pushing hard in the opening stages. However, the intensity dropped after the interval as the players battled not only each other but also the challenging conditions. Real Madrid, who had maintained a perfect record in La Liga up to this point, struggled to break down a resilient Betis side.

Troy Parrott, introduced in the 68th minute, became the hero for the home team. The Republic of Ireland international capitalized on a rebound after Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had parried a header, reacting swiftly to slot the ball home and secure the win for Betis.

Adding to Real Betis’s triumph, goalkeeper Álvaro Valles made a crucial save in stoppage time by denying a penalty from Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé, who was representing Real Madrid in this fixture. This save ensured that Betis held on to their slender lead and handed Real Madrid their first defeat of the season.

This result has significant implications for the La Liga standings. Real Madrid, who had been top of the table with a flawless record, now face the challenge of regrouping to maintain their title aspirations. Meanwhile, Real Betis, buoyed by this victory, have strengthened their position among the league’s frontrunners.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid will be aiming to bounce back in their next league fixture, as they seek to regain momentum and respond to this unexpected setback. Real Betis will look to build on this success as the season progresses, hoping to continue their strong form at home.

For more detailed coverage, visit the original report at The Guardian.