Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has congratulated Real Betis and admitted that they deserved to beat his side on a disappointing night for the reigning champions.

Mourinho's men slipped to defeat in Seville thanks to a single goal from Benat after eight minutes.

The Portuguese coach thinks that his team were unlucky not to equalise in the second half but gave Betis credit for a dogged display.

He told reporters: "I've congratulated the Betis players because they left everything on the pitch and fought with a spirit of sacrifice.

"The referee was hugely at fault for a wrongly-disallowed Karim Benzema goal and a clear penalty in the closing minutes. But Betis deserve my respect because they outplayed Real Madrid.

"I try to be fair and objective, and when my team lose, I do not seek excuses or blame other things."

Defeat at Betis means that the La Liga holders could move 11 points behind Barcelona if they overcome Levante this evening.