Troy Parrott shines on Champions League debut with winning goal for Real Betis | OneFootball

Troy Parrott marked his Champions League debut with the winner as Real Betis beat Lille 3-2 on Tuesday, capping his rapid rise since leaving North London. The Republic of Ireland forward struck a low left-footed finish that sent Betis back into Europe’s premier competition with a victory after 21 years away.

According to Goal.com, the 24-year-old’s poise and technique stood out. Former England international Joe Cole praised the control before the strike, likened the moment to Harry Kane and noted how Parrott shifted the ball clear of a defender before finding the side netting.

The goal followed his weekend decider in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid, launching Betis’s Champions League campaign with victory. For a player long on promise yet often overlooked during his early years, these back-to-back winners feel a significant step.

Betis paid €16 million for Parrott, a fee already appearing shrewd as he leads the line with power and subtlety. Manuel Pellegrini said he was delighted with the striker’s clinical edge and work ethic, adding that two goals in two matches is a big boost.

Parrott first broke through at Tottenham as a teenager before a series of loans across the English pyramid, then moved to the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar to rebuild momentum. Cole felt the talent was never in doubt and suggested that if he sustains this form, bigger clubs could soon circle and Ireland may lean on him.

Source: Goal.com

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