Troy Parrott Shines in Betis Victory Over Getafe

Troy Parrott marked his return to Real Betis’ starting XI with a sharp, inventive display as Manuel Pellegrini’s side edged past Getafe 1-0 to climb to third in La Liga.

The Ireland striker, back in from the start after remaining on the bench in Monday’s 2-1 win at Villarreal, wasted no time announcing himself. Inside five minutes, he almost produced a goal to remember.

Spotting David Soria off his line after pouncing on a loose Getafe pass near halfway, Parrott went for audacity over safety. His long, looping effort had the goalkeeper scrambling, Soria just clawing the ball away with a fingertip at full stretch. It was inches from being the highlight reel moment of the night.

Betis controlled the tempo and the territory. The chances, though, kept slipping away. Antony twice lashed efforts over the bar as the home side pushed but failed to turn dominance into a lead.

The pressure finally told right on the stroke of half-time – and Parrott was at the heart of it.

Breaking from deep, Abde Ezzalzouli carried the ball into midfield and released Antony down the flank. Parrott drifted into space through the middle, took the return pass at the edge of the area and, with one neat touch, rolled the ball back across goal. Abde arrived to meet it and drilled low past Soria. A slick, three-man move, finished with authority and crafted by Parrott’s awareness.

Getafe, 15th at kick-off, sank even deeper after the break, content to absorb and wait for a late opening. Betis kept probing but the second goal never came. As the hour mark approached, Pellegrini changed the picture in attack, withdrawing Parrott, Isco and Abde in search of fresh energy and a different angle.

The gamble brought renewed legs but not a killer blow. Instead, the closing stages belonged to Getafe, who finally threw bodies forward and asked questions of a Betis side that had seemed comfortable for most of the night. The hosts had to ride out a late surge, but they held firm to protect the 1-0 advantage to the final whistle.

The win lifts Betis to third place on 15 points, level with Real Madrid and behind only on goal difference. Barcelona sit top with a perfect 18 from six.

For Parrott, it was another step in an increasingly influential start to life in Seville. A fortnight ago he came off the bench at Estadio La Cartuja to score the winner against Real Madrid, handing José Mourinho’s side their first defeat of the season. Now he has added a decisive assist and another assured performance.

Betis are moving into the title conversation. Parrott is making sure his name stays in it.