Parrott scores winner as Betis win Champions League opener

Troy Parrott scored the decisive goal as Real Betis secured a 3-2 victory over Lille in their opening UEFA Champions League fixture on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The win marked Real Betis's return to Europe's premier club competition after a 20-year absence, with their last appearance dating back to the 2005-06 season. Parrott, who joined the Spanish club in the summer, netted his second goal in as many games for Betis in the 53rd minute, completing a second-half comeback. The Irish international had previously scored a late winner against Real Madrid on Friday, September 4, 2026. His Champions League debut goal came just minutes after teammate Marc Bartra had equalized for the second time in the match. Lille had taken the lead twice in the first half through Ayase Ueda in the 12th minute and Alexsandro Ribeiro in the 36th minute. Bartra had initially pulled Betis level in the 33rd minute, and then again four minutes into the second half, setting the stage for Parrott's heroics. The French side's task became more difficult when Ethan Mbappé, brother of Kylian Mbappé, received a red card in the 56th minute. This was Parrott's first time completing a full 90 minutes for Real Betis.