Jose Mourinho did not hold back after watching his unbeaten Real Madrid side fall 1-0 to Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin, insisting his players were outsmarted rather than outplayed.

Despite controlling large spells of the contest and creating a string of chances, Los Blancos could not find a breakthrough, and their frustration deepened when substitute Troy Parrott struck the decisive goal in the 81st minute.

Kylian Mbappe compounded the misery by failing to convert a stoppage-time penalty that could have rescued a point.

Speaking afterwards, Mourinho directed his criticism at what he described as a lack of game-smartness among his squad, contrasting it with the approach taken by the home side.

He pointed to an incident involving Arda Guler, who picked up a yellow card despite Real Madrid players being on the receiving end of rougher treatment earlier in the match.

According to Mourinho, Betis targeted Fede Valverde with a heavy foul early on that should have drawn a booking, yet his players’ habit of quickly getting back on their feet meant no card was shown.

He argued that this pattern allowed Betis to avoid punishment while his own team suffered the consequences when Guler committed a comparatively minor foul and was booked. Mourinho added that Betis players then deliberately targeted Guler afterward, looking to provoke a second card and a possible red.

The defeat brings to an end Madrid’s flawless start to the campaign under the returning Portuguese coach, who will now look to regroup before their next fixture.