Real dominated the first half, taking 15 shots and creating six clear-cut chances, resulting in an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.09, yet they failed to capitalize.

In the 11th minute, Arda Guler's right-wing cross found center-back Dean Huijsen, whose diving header was saved by goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. Three minutes later, Guler delivered a low cross past the Betis defense and Valles, but Vinicius struck the post from a narrow angle.

Vinicius shows regret after missing a chance in Real Madrid's 0-1 loss to Betis in the fourth round of La Liga at La Cartuja stadium, Sevilla, Spain on 4/9. *Photo: AS*

The clearest opportunity arose in the 43rd minute when Vinicius burst down the left flank into the box. Instead of shooting directly, he squared the ball to Mbappe, whose two consecutive attempts were blocked by Betis defenders.

In added time, Guler's two left-wing corners resulted in headers for Jude Bellingham and Dean Huijsen, both spectacularly saved by Valles.

Despite Real's numerous chances, the first half wasn't entirely theirs. Betis also played well at times, with Antony frequently clashing with Marc Cucurella, and Pablo Fornals delivering dangerous diagonal passes from the left. Antony notably set up Cucho Hernandez for a diagonal volley and later tested Thibaut Courtois with a shot, forcing the goalkeeper's first save.

After halftime, Real tightened their formation under coach Jose Mourinho's direction, continuing to generate clear opportunities, including a one-on-one for Mbappe. Betis, however, struggled with aerial duels and counter-attacking.

Troy Parrott celebrates his goal with teammates. *Photo: Reuters*

The turning point, as noted by Marca, occurred in the 64th minute when Guler, who had created seven chances, was substituted. While the record 156 million USD signing Yan Diomande, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, and Trent Alexander-Arnold came on, Real's dynamic play faded.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini quickly capitalized on this, bringing on Nelson Deossa, Troy Parrott, and Rodrigo Riquelme to intensify Betis's pressure. The home side then began to dominate aerial battles. These changes yielded immediate results: in the 81st minute, from a right-wing corner, Deossa's header was saved by Courtois, but Parrott reacted quickly to score the rebound, putting Betis ahead.

Alvaro Valles (right) celebrates after saving Kylian Mbappe's penalty. *Photo: AP*

Seconds later, Mourinho brought on Carlos Espi. The Spanish striker seemingly scored an equalizer with a left-footed volley, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In added time, Vinicius's run into the box drew a foul from Natan, resulting in a penalty for Real. Yet, from the 11-meter spot, Mbappe's shot to the left corner was saved by Valles.

The 0-1 defeat marked Real's first loss under Mourinho, highlighting the team's significant finishing problem. Real generated numerous chances, hit the woodwork three times, and earned a penalty, but failed to score. Mbappe, Vinicius, and their teammates squandered clear opportunities, ultimately paying for it with a late goal. Without clinical finishing, overwhelming possession and superior statistics become meaningless.

Hong Duy