Troy Parrott became an instant Real Betis hero after scoring a late winner against Real Madrid on his home debut, giving Manuel Pellegrini’s side a 1-0 victory and ending their opponents’ perfect start to the 2026/27 season.
The Republic of Ireland forward came off the bench in the 68th minute before scoring in the closing stages to secure a memorable win over a Real Madrid side managed by Jose Mourinho.
Parrott had been introduced in place of Cucho Hernandez, who was selected to start against Los Blancos. The striker, who joined Real Betis from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar in August, has been gradually integrated into Pellegrini’s team.
He made his opportunity count when he finished from close range, finding a way past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to settle a fiercely contested match.
The result gives Pellegrini three wins from his side’s first four games of the 2026/27 campaign. It also brought Real Madrid’s 100% record to an end under Mourinho.
For Parrott, the goal provided an immediate and memorable impact in front of the Real Betis supporters. The forward said afterwards that the occasion had been an extraordinary experience, both because of the quality of the opposition and the atmosphere inside the stadium.
“It was a crazy game for my home debut. I think it was a good watch for everybody.
“The fans were amazing tonight. Th way they cheered for the whole game was beautiful.
“I feel amazing. To score a goal against a big team, like Real Madrid, it's a great night.”
Parrott has been eased into the Real Betis side since his move from AZ Alkmaar, with Hernandez given the starting role for the visit of Real Madrid. Pellegrini’s decision to send the Irishman on midway through the second half ultimately proved decisive.
The 1-0 scoreline ensured there was no response from Real Madrid after Parrott’s late intervention, while Real Betis held on to claim a victory that strengthens their early-season record.
The win was particularly significant because it came against a Real Madrid side that had won every match before travelling to face Pellegrini’s team. Mourinho’s team therefore left without maintaining their flawless record, while Betis celebrated a result made possible by their substitute forward.
Parrott’s finish also gave him a standout moment in his first home appearance for the club. Having arrived in August and initially been used carefully, he made a decisive contribution when his team needed it most.
Real Betis now have three victories from four league games in 2026/27, with Parrott’s late goal ensuring that their home supporters had the final say on a night he described as “crazy” and “beautiful”.