Real Madrid manager José Mourinho admitted he could not explain his side’s 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, insisting that his team dominated the La Liga fixture on Thursday but failed to capitalize on their chances.
The defeat at La Cartuja ended Madrid’s perfect start to the season, having won their opening three matches under the Portuguese manager.
Betis secured all three points in the 81st minute when Troy Parrott reacted quickest to score from close range after Thibaut Courtois saved Nelson Deossa’s initial header.
Madrid had a late opportunity to salvage a point deep into stoppage time when Vinicius Junior won a penalty, but Kylian Mbappe’s spot-kick was saved by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.
‘We clearly deserved to win’
Speaking after the match, Mourinho praised his team’s performance and work rate, expressing frustration at the final result.
“Sometimes you lose and don’t know why or how to explain it,” Mourinho said. “The team played a great match. We were very dominant, the centre-backs were imperial and controlled absolutely everything.”
He added: “The match was Madrid’s. Betis, who played for the draw, hit the jackpot. Everyone gave their all. We clearly deserved to win, but deserving doesn’t give you points.”
Equal on points
Mourinho stated he would review the match tape before finalizing his tactical assessment but maintained there was nothing to reproach his players for individually or collectively.
The result leaves both Real Madrid and Real Betis tied on nine points after four matches, each recording three wins and one loss so far this season.
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