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Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has said he didn't start Troy Parrott in their 0-0 draw with Real Club Celta de Vigo because he wants to "manage him carefully."

Pellegrini instead chose to start midfielder Nelson Deossa with Parrott replacing him after 60 minutes.

Both players had golden chances to give their side the lead with Deossa hitting the crossbar just after half-time and then Parrott pulling the ball wide with just Ionut Radu to beat in injury time.

"Unfortunately Troy (Parrott) struck it with the instep, very much across goal and the ball just went wide. The team's second half was very good," Pellegrini told DAZN after the match.

He added: "We played with Deossa there because it was a back three defense.

"Troy played four matches with his national team in three weeks. We have to manage him carefully.

"If Deossa's shot had been a goal, the question wouldn't even exist. These are specific moments, but I think the team performed as expected."

Betis remain in fourth position but a win could have seen them overtake Real Madrid if they didn't pick up points against Barcelona in El Clasico.