Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season is over. A 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Thursday night, sealed by Troy Parrott's late winner and compounded by Kylian Mbappe missing a stoppage-time penalty, handed Jose Mourinho his first significant setback since returning to the Bernabeu.

The manner of the loss has stirred real debate. Mourinho was pointed in his post-match assessment, suggesting his players lacked the savvy of their opponents and questioning the officiating. Manuel Pellegrini pushed back firmly, rejecting any notion that Betis rode their luck. The controversy around Mbappe's penalty added another layer, with Betis defender Marc Bartra revealing his side had specifically prepared for the situation by consulting a former referee on encroachment rules.

The defeat leaves Madrid second in LaLiga on nine points from four games, level with Barcelona above them and Betis directly below. The table is tight, and the loss of momentum matters.

Mourinho's selection headaches are also mounting. Marc Cucurella was forced off with cramps at La Cartuja and now faces a race to be fit for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Inter at the Bernabeu. The injury list was already lengthy before Thursday, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Endrick all sidelined. Mendy has also been excluded from the Champions League squad entirely, with a highly rated teenage midfielder taking his place. The Inter fixture arrives at a difficult moment, with squad depth stretched and confidence taking its first real hit of the campaign.