Real Betis had not played a Champions League match since 2005. They did not need long to make their return feel worthwhile.
Trailing 2-1 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday night, the Andalusians hit back through Marc Bartra just after the interval and then handed Troy Parrott his Champions League debut goal in the 53rd minute. It was the 24-year-old Ireland striker’s second decisive goal in four days, after the winner he supplied against Real Madrid last Friday.
Parrott took a Rodrigo Riquelme pass in his stride around 30 metres from goal, advanced into the Lille box and slid a low left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Berke Özer into the far corner.
Pellegrini: “Huge for him”
Manuel Pellegrini, in charge of Betis since 2020, singled out his forward after the final whistle.
Read also: Babar Azam breaks silence: 'It was news to me'
“I’m really happy for Troy, scoring two goals in two matches is huge for him,” Pellegrini told reporters.
The Chilean framed the win itself as a marker for the club’s European ambitions.
“It is something very important. First, for bringing joy to the Betis fans and taking another step forward in Europe,” he said.
A five-goal night in Lille
Ayase Ueda had put the hosts ahead inside 12 minutes, before Bartra levelled on 33 and Alexsandro Ribeiro restored the Lille lead three minutes later. Bartra’s second, four minutes into the second half, drew Betis level for a second time, and Parrott’s finish followed almost immediately.
Read also: ‘Who are we to say no?’ Irish Open could be halted for Trump’s arrival
The visitors’ task was made easier in the 57th minute, when Ethan Mbappé, younger brother of Kylian, was sent off following a VAR review for an elbow on Betis defender Natan. Davide Ancelotti’s Lille played out the closing half hour with ten men.
From Tottenham reserve to Seville matchwinner
Parrott only joined Betis last month. He arrived from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar on 20 August on a five-year contract, in a deal reported at around €20m. His career had drifted for much of his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he broke through as a teenager under José Mourinho before a series of loan moves and, eventually, the exit route to the Netherlands.
His Ireland form has followed the club revival: a hat-trick in Budapest last November, capped by a stoppage-time winner against Hungary, sent his country into a World Cup qualifying play-off after two goals against Portugal three nights earlier.
Betis were fifth in La Liga last season, the finish that put them into this Champions League. The 2-3 win at Lille was their first result of the league phase, in only the second European Cup / Champions League campaign in the club’s history.
Read also: Garrett's Rams pitch is Sean McVay: 'He truly sets the culture'
Betis are back in La Liga action at home to Levante on Sunday.
Read also: Financial analysts: Why Everton stadium is worth £1bn
