Alvaro Valles was the difference-maker as Real Betis held on to beat Real Madrid 1-0 at La Cartuja, producing a decisive stoppage-time save from Kylian Mbappe that denied the visitors an equaliser.
The goalkeeper had already put together an impressive display, but his biggest contribution came when Mbappe stepped up from the penalty spot.
Valles guessed correctly and kept out the Real Madrid forward's effort , preserving Betis' lead and completing a memorable night for the home side.
After the match, Valles explained that the save was not simply a matter of instinct.
Rather, Betis had done their homework on Mbappe's recent penalties, while the goalkeeper also tried to create doubt in the striker's mind.
"We'd analysed his penalties; he'd sent his last two wide. I tried to stay as still as possible on the side he'd decided to go for, and luckily I saved it.
Alvaro Valles saved Kylian Mbappe's stoppage time penalty. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
"I tried to throw Mbappe off a bit by telling him it was the last minute, what a stroke of luck… and it worked,"he said, as per Mundo Deportivo .
It appears that Valles knew Mbappe's recent penalty record and waited for the Frenchman to make his decision before committing himself.
His intervention came at the perfect moment. With Real Madrid throwing players forward in search of a late equaliser, allowing the penalty to be converted would almost certainly have changed the ending.
Instead, Valles kept Betis ahead and helped the club claim three valuable points.
"It was very important to win to keep building our strength at home and keep picking up points here.
"We knew we were facing a tough opponent and our aim was to get a result.
Alvaro Valles made several saves against Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
"Once we'd taken the lead, we held on very well and had that bit of luck that's often needed,"explained the goalkeeper.
Valles was quick to emphasise that the result was not down to his penalty save alone.
Betis had to defend intensely during the closing stages as Madrid committed more players forward.
"The team did a great job; this is down to everyone, and all that's left for me to do is congratulate my teammates because they gave their all to win,"he added.
"The final minutes were very tense and exciting; we know how dangerous Madrid are up front – they had a lot of players pushing forward – but we secured the victory by keeping a clean sheet,"he concluded.
