Kylian Mbappé Misses Late Penalty in Real Madrid's First

Kylian Mbappé missed a last-gasp penalty as Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 1-0 to Real Betis on Friday, September 4. The loss ended manager Jose Mourinho's winning start to his second spell in charge, with Troy Parrott's 80th-minute goal sealing a shock victory at La Cartuja.

Did Mbappé's penalty deserve a retake?

Mbappé's chance to equalize came deep in the 94th minute after a foul on Vinicius Junior. His spot-kick was saved by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles, sparking immediate controversy. Replays showed Betis defender Marc Bartra entering the penalty area before the ball was struck.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, while Bartra's body crossed the line, his feet were not on the ground at the precise moment of Mbappé's kick. He was in the air. That technicality meant the officials did not order a retake, even though Bartra then cleared the rebound. Some outlets, like Madrid Xtra, argued any entry before the kick is an infringement, but the referee's interpretation stood.

How did Real Madrid lose to Betis?

Jose Mourinho's side had won their first three La Liga matches but struggled to break down a resilient Betis defense. Vinicius Junior hit the post in the first half, and Mbappé was denied by several blocks. The French forward had 18 touches in the box and took 7 shots but could not score.

The breakthrough came against the run of play. Thibaut Courtois saved Nelson Deossa's header, but Parrott fired home the rebound. Madrid thought they had leveled when Carlos Espi scored a spectacular volley, but VAR ruled it out for offside. That set the stage for Mbappé's dramatic late penalty failure.

What did Jose Mourinho say after the defeat?

The Real Madrid manager was booked during the match and reacted sarcastically to the controversial ending. Mourinho, who gave Parrott his Premier League debut at Tottenham, saw his former player haunt him with the winner. He did not hide his frustration with the penalty decision, though he stopped short of a direct condemnation of the officials.

Is Mbappé ending his long-term Nike deal?

Away from the pitch, Mbappé is reportedly considering a major commercial shift. French journalist Thibaud Vézirian reports the forward may have ended his 19-year partnership with Nike on July 31. Instead of joining a rival like Adidas, Mbappé is linked with a project to launch a new football brand where he would have his own line and a stake in the company.

This potential move marks a significant pivot. Mbappé has been with Nike since he was eight years old. The new venture would make him the centerpiece of a brand aiming to break into the high-end boot market, giving him direct financial benefits from its growth.

• Key Takeaways:
• Kylian Mbappé's saved 94th-minute penalty cost Real Madrid a point in a 1-0 loss to Real Betis on September 4.
• The decision not to retake the kick, despite Marc Bartra's encroachment, was based on his feet being off the ground.
• The defeat was the first for manager Jose Mourinho in his second stint at the club.
• Mbappé is reportedly exploring a move away from Nike to front his own brand.

His four goals this season show he remains a primary threat, but this high-profile miss and the surrounding debate will dominate headlines.