José Mourinho said he couldn't explain Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Friday, in the coach's first loss since returning to La Liga. Substitute Troy Parrott put Betis ahead in the 81st minute, before a dramatic finale saw first Carlos Espí have a spectacular equalizer disallowed for offside, and then Kylian Mbappé have a penalty saved by keeper Álvaro Valles in added time. Madrid ended the game in Seville with eight shots on target, and an expected goals (xG) of 3.16, but went home empty-handed.

It's the first time that Madrid have lost one of their first four league games since the 2014-15 season. "Sometimes you lose and you don't know why," Mourinho said. "We were very dominant, focused, we controlled absolutely everything... If it was a draw we'd be frustrated, because we deserved more, so imagine with a defeat!"

Madrid argued that Mbappé's penalty should have been retaken, as Betis defender Marc Bartra appeared to be encroaching. Mourinho said, "I haven't seen [the incidents]... I might change my mind watching the game tomorrow, but my feeling from the bench is that I don't know why we lost."

Summer signing Espí has already proved crucial for Madrid, scoring a late winner at Espanyol, and appeared to have salvaged a point before his goal was disallowed. Mourinho praised him as "a kid with great potential." He also said his players had been "naive" in failing to influence the referee, adding, "Betis players tried to impact the referee, but Madrid's players... get straight back up." Rivals Barcelona can go three points clear when they visit Valencia on Sunday.