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Spanish and French media have turned on Kylian Mbappe following Real Madrid‘s shock 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, with critics labelling his display as ‘selfish’ and one ‘to forget’.
A goal from former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott in the 81st minute proved the difference, as Betis secured a famous home win at El Estadio La Cartuja. The result ended Real Madrid’s unbeaten run since Jose Mourinho’s surprise return to the club. Mbappe had the chance to salvage a point with a penalty in the third minute of added time, but he missed, and the protests from Madrid over apparent encroachment by Betis defender Marc Bartra went unheeded by the referee.
How the Defeat Unfolded
The match stayed goalless until Parrott struck from close range after Thibaut Courtois produced a stunning save, only for the rebound to fall invitingly. Madrid thought they had equalised on 87 minutes when substitute Carlos Espi converted a late bicycle kick, but the effort was ruled out. The subsequent penalty, awarded deep in added time, represented Madrid’s final lifeline. Mbappe stepped up and missed.
Prior to the spot kick, Mbappe had already frustrated observers with a display that lacked conviction in key moments. When in possession in dangerous areas, he repeatedly chose individual options over effective decision-making, and his pressing was described as stingy and imprecise by French outlet Le Parisien, which called the evening a rare night of joylessness for the striker.
Media Verdicts Are Damning
French publication Journal du Real handed Mbappe a 2/10 rating, accusing him of failing to step up and lead when his team needed him most, branding it a performance to forget. Spanish outlet ELDesmarque was even harsher, awarding just 1/10 and describing him as selfish whenever the ball arrived in dangerous positions, compounding that criticism with a reference to his wasteful finishing throughout the night.
Mourinho Deflects, Targets Referee and ‘Naive’ Players
Mourinho declined to single out Mbappe publicly, directing his post-match frustration toward refereeing decisions and what he framed as his players’ honesty working against them.
“The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and you don’t know why or how to explain it. The Betis players are smarter than the Real Madrid players, who are pure, naive. In the first play of the game, it was a clear yellow card for a player who fouled Valverde, and then another yellow for a player who committed a serious foul on Vini Jr. The Madrid players immediately bounced back, but the Betis players are smarter and, with the support of a fantastic fanbase that pushes, pressures, and achieves these kinds of things.”
“We’re naive in the sense that Betis players try to influence the referee’s decision over the smallest things. Real Madrid players, in situations that should warrant a yellow card, like when he stepped on Valverde, stayed on their feet. That’s worthy of a Real Madrid captain.”
“And the missed penalty is like I always say: when one of us goes to take a penalty, we all go together.”
The collective responsibility line offered Mbappe some cover, though the wider media reaction suggests that framing will not hold for long if performances do not improve.
Read also: Arsenal vs Chelsea, Valencia vs Barcelona: Football Betting Tips 05-06 September
Title Race Implications
Barcelona can now move three points clear of their title rivals when they face Valencia on Sunday evening. The pressure on Madrid, and on Mbappe specifically to deliver in decisive moments, is building at exactly the wrong time in the campaign. Follow TipsGG for continued La Liga coverage and analysis as the title race develops.