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Real Betis defender Marc Bartra has explained the 'rehearsed' penalty tactic that helped stop Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid's shock 1-0 defeat. Real Madrid were left frustrated after Mbappe missed a crucial spot-kick, and Bartra has now disclosed the smart tactical detail behind his decisive clearance after the save, admitting he had spoken to a former referee to take advantage of the encroachment law.

Real Madrid slipped to an unexpected 1-0 defeat against Real Betis at La Cartuja. The game was ultimately shaped by a hugely controversial moment involving Mbappe's missed penalty. Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles kept out the French star from the spot to protect his side's slender lead.

But the clearance that followed immediately led to strong debate over possible encroachment. Bartra was the first player to react to the rebound and boot the ball clear to safety. After the final whistle, the experienced centre-back admitted that his perfectly judged intervention had been fully planned in advance.

Speaking to Movistar+ after the match, Bartra said he had carefully studied the penalty encroachment rules. The defender intentionally placed his feet on the edge of the box to give himself a crucial head start. He took a major risk so that he would be in position to clear the danger if Valles managed to make the save.

"I tried to calculate as best I could today," Bartra said while discussing his explosive reaction. "It's true that if he hits it half a second earlier or later, I would have been caught inside. But I think there, in the end, I tried to hold on as long as I could with my foot planted and without stepping on it, and it worked out well."

Bartra's carefully judged gamble was in fact inspired by a recent moment involving Valencia defender Jose Gaya. The Betis player had seen Gaya use a similar little jump on the edge of the penalty area and then decided to check whether the move was legal. To make sure he understood the rule correctly, Bartra contacted someone he knows who has refereeing experience.

"A few matchdays ago, I think it was Gaya who did the little jump, and I asked a referee friend," he explained. "He is a friend from Segunda B who is no longer refereeing, and he told me that you can be there, as long as you are not stepping on it."

The carefully worked-out defensive plan brought huge rewards for Betis. Bartra's legal clearance helped his side seal a famous 1-0 win over Los Blancos. Jose Mourinho's side must now recover quickly and respond in their upcoming matches to avoid losing ground in the title race. Betis, meanwhile, will hope this major lift in confidence helps them build important momentum for the rest of the season.