Real Madrid suffer first defeat under Mourinho
Barcelona announced record revenue above €1bn, but still trail Real Madrid, whose €1.221bn income remains higher despite two seasons without major silverware.
Former Real Madrid full-back Fran García said Jude Bellingham is ‘the best in the world’ at his current level, praising his all-round influence after four goal involvements this season.
Manchester United are reportedly still keen on Aurelien Tchouameni, but Real Madrid would demand about €100m for the midfielder amid concerns over his fitness issues.
Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid and moved back into his La Finca mansion. His second spell began with three wins before a first defeat, 1-0 at Real Betis.
Ferland Mendy has been left out of Real Madrid’s Champions League squad, with Mourinho choosing academy defenders instead.
Real Madrid are encouraged by Mourinho’s early impact, with three league wins and a more focused squad. Bellingham, Mbappé and especially Valverde have returned to a high level.
Marc Cucurella is a doubt for Inter after muscle cramps forced him off against Betis, adding to Real Madrid's growing injury and suspension list before their Champions League opener.
Real Madrid protested over underinflated match balls at La Cartuja, with Courtois, Güler and Dumfries prompting three ball changes inside the first 10 minutes against Betis.
Mbappé’s late penalty at Betis was not retaken because Marc Bartra, though entering early, was still in the air when the kick was struck, so no encroachment was given.
Franco Mastantuono said Mourinho advised his loan move from Real Madrid to Fiorentina, with regular minutes the priority. He also said he is sad Messi has retired from Argentina duty.
Real Madrid have lost all rights over academy midfielder Chema after Brighton signed him from Stuttgart, ending any buy-back, sell-on or first-refusal protection on a player they rate highly.
Mourinho paid tribute to Lionel Messi after his Argentina retirement, saying football will miss him and joking that ‘we need to watch MLS games’ to enjoy his final years.
Luis Figo praised Real Madrid’s summer business, saying they strengthened key positions after two trophyless years, but warned transfer fees have become unsustainable and ‘madness’.
Wesley Sneijder said Inter can ‘send a message’ by getting a result at Mourinho’s Real Madrid, and backed former Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries to handle the Bernabéu pressure.
Real Madrid’s busy 2026 window is rated 8.5/10 after seven arrivals, key exits and over €200m from academy sales, with signings aimed at ending a two-season trophy drought.
Real Madrid fell 1-0 at Betis despite dominating and creating clear chances. Bakout scored on 81 minutes, Asencio’s leveller was ruled out and Mbappé missed a 95th-minute penalty.
Mbappé’s saved penalty against Betis revived doubts from 12 yards, with his Real Madrid miss rate now above Ronaldo's. Mourinho backed him, but concern centres on his confidence.
Mourinho defended Real Madrid after a 1-0 defeat at Betis, insisting they played ‘very well’, created enough to win and lost despite a strong attitude and Mbappé’s late penalty miss.
Fabrizio Romano says Karim Benzema was not offered to Barcelona and is unlikely to return to Europe, with retirement or staying in the Middle East his two options.
Video technology ruled out Carlos Espi’s overhead kick for offside as Real Madrid chased an equaliser at Betis. Troy Parrott then settled the game 1-0 after Mbappé missed a late penalty.
Hansi Flick said Real Madrid played well and created big chances despite losing to Betis, calling it a reminder that football can punish even strong performances.
