UCL: Thomas Partey Denied Goal Against Real Madrid by Arsenal Defender, Fans React
- Thomas Partey came close to scoring for Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League game against Real Madrid
- His Gunners teammate frustratingly denied the Ghanaian midfielder after he pounced on a corner kick
- Despite his impressive performances for them all season, Partey's future at Arsenal remains uncertain
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Thomas Partey was frustratingly denied a maiden UEFA Champions League goal for Arsenal - by his own teammate - during their clash against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on April 8.
Returning to the starting XI after being rested in the recent Premier League fixture against Everton, the Ghanaian midfielder reminded everyone of his influence at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s system.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal teammate denies Partey goal vs Real Madrid
Typically deployed in a holding role as a defensive base, Partey nearly delivered a rare moment of offence during the European elite contest.
Midway through the first half, the Gunners earned a corner - an area in which they've excelled this season, turning set pieces into a potent weapon.
Bukayo Saka stepped up and delivered a precisely weighted delivery into the crowded Real Madrid box and Partey's timing was precise.
The midfielder rose above his marker and powered a header goalward, catching Thibaut Courtois flat-footed, but fate had a different plan.
Just as the ball seemed destined for the back of the net, William Saliba - unaware of Partey’s effort behind him - stood on the goal line and inadvertently blocked the shot.
The deflection robbed Partey of what could have been a game-defining goal, with replays showing the header was on target and likely to beat the Madrid goalkeeper.
Fans react to Saliba denying Partey
The incident sparked immediate reactions on social media, with fans from both sides weighing in on the dramatic moment.
@EduardoHagn bemoaned:
"We are so unlucky. Saliba denied Partey."
@x_sun lamented:
"😭😭 Oh no."
Source: Getty Images
@AFC_Grey added:
"So close."
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Thomas Partey breaks silence after impressive display in Arsenal's UCL win over Real Madrid
@yahtz3ee exclained:
"Maaaaaahn."
Even a fan from the opposition appreciated the moment - albeit for different reasons:
@YashRMFC chimed in:
"Thank you, Saliba, for clearing Partey's header."
Despite the misfortune, Partey's overall display offered a timely reminder of his ability to break up play and dictate the tempo.
His threat from deep added another layer to Arsenal's midfield dynamics against a Real Madrid side known for its central control.
Meanwhile, his midfield partner, Declan Rice, scored two world-class free kicks before Mikel Merino added a final blow.
The BBC reported that Arsenal takes the advantage into the second leg and has also kept their Premier League hopes alive.
Arsenal hold a commanding lead ahead of 2nd Leg
On April 8, 2025, Arsenal showcased an outstanding performance in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium.
English midfielder Declan Rice delivered a standout contribution, scoring two exceptional free kicks in the 58th and 69th minutes—his first direct free-kick goals in a professional career spanning over 400 appearances.
Mikel Merino further strengthened Arsenal’s position with a well-taken third goal in the 75th minute, underscoring the team’s dominance throughout the match.
With a commanding 3-0 aggregate advantage, Arsenal will approach the second leg at Santiago Bernabéu on April 16, 2025, with confidence.
After scoring two remarkable free-kicks in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on April 8, 2025, Declan Rice reflected on the significance of his performance.
He said: “Scoring those two free kicks ranks among the finest moments of my career in terms of the goals I’ve contributed.
"To score my first free kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one. I just had the confidence. I'm speechless, really."
Partey could make major Barcelona move
YEN.com.gh also reported on claims that Thomas Partey is eyeing a return to La Liga as questions swirl around his Arsenal future.
The Ghanaian midfielder is said to be pushing for a Barcelona move as his time in the English top flight appears to be ending soon.
The Catalans have reportedly listed Partey as a top transfer target due to his availability on a free transfer this summer.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
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Source: YEN.com.gh
