Published: September 5, 2026
- Troy Parrott strikes in the 81st minute to floor Real Madrid
- Kylian Mbappé’s stoppage-time penalty saved as Mourinho starts with defeat
- Monaco beat PSG to make it three wins from three in Ligue 1
Parrott’s Late Sting Leaves Mourinho’s Madrid Reeling
So much for the fairytale return. José Mourinho’s first LaLiga outing back at Real Madrid ended in a 1-0 defeat, courtesy of an 81st-minute jab from Troy Parrott that sent the Benito Villamarín into raptures. Introduced on 68 minutes, the Republic of Ireland striker reacted sharpest after Thibaut Courtois parried a header, tucking away what proved the winner for Real Betis.
Madrid had their moments. Kylian Mbappé rattled the bar before a spectacular overhead finish was wiped out by VAR for offside. Deep into stoppage time came the big chance: Vinícius won a penalty, Mbappé stepped up, but Alvaro Valles guessed right and parried, sealing Betis’s statement victory.
Mourinho was bullish afterwards, insisting Madrid’s collective display merited more and that his players stood together over the late spot-kick. He also hinted Betis were the more streetwise outfit on the night — and backed by a fierce home crowd, they certainly played every note of the occasion.
If you’re already eyeing the form lines and momentum swings after a weekend like that, our guide to football betting sites UK is a handy place to start.
PSG Slip as Monaco Make the Early Running
Over in France, Paris Saint-Germain looked set for lift-off when Marquinhos nodded them in front, only for Monaco to flip the script after the break. Flávio Nazinho levelled on 58 minutes and Stanley Idumbo completed the turnaround with 18 to play, handing PSG their first league defeat after opening draws with Rennes and Lille — and a French Super Cup loss to Lens last month.
It came on the same day PSG announced contract extensions for Luis Enrique and a clutch of players, including João Neves, Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu and Willian Pacho, with Fabián Ruiz tied down to 2028. Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun was left out of Monaco’s squad after a proposed move to Everton fell through.
Early days, yes, but Monaco look crisp and confident, while PSG remain a work in progress. As for Madrid, Mourinho’s message will be simple: tidy up in both boxes and the wins will follow. But tonight belongs to Parrott — the poacher who spoiled the homecoming.
Bio:
Football fanatic, you will often find me on the terraces at lower league matches on a Saturday afternoon. I leave the Premier League matches to the prawn sandwich brigade; grassroots football for me all the way.
Key contributions:
As the lead copywriter, it’s my job to turn my colleagues’ “messy notes” (sorry, guys!) into clear, engaging content. From bookmaker reviews to betting predictions, I make sure everything is polished, accurate, and easy to read
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“Great content, like great football, is all about the fundamentals”
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