Champions League: How Thomas Partey's Insight Assisted Arsenal in Dominant Real Madrid Win
- Thomas Partey’s deep knowledge of Real Madrid’s tactics, gained from his time in La Liga, played a crucial role for Arsenal
- The midfielder's strength and composure allowed him to control the central battle, stifling the Spanish giants' attacking flow
- The Ghanaian's intelligent positioning kept Real Madrid’s playmakers like Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric in check
Arsenal take a significant advantage into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid after a 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on April 8.
Among the major talking points from the first leg was Thomas Partey’s experience playing against the Spanish giants - a key factor for the Gunners in their emphatic victory.
Source: Getty Images
The Ghanaian midfielder, who had faced Real Madrid 13 times previously before this encounter, used his insight to give Arsenal the edge against the defending European champions.
YEN.com.gh has analysed Partey's performance in the quarter-final first-leg match and how past results have made the Gunners favourites to move on to the semi-finals and beyond.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Partey's experience counts
Neutralising the midfield threat
Partey’s extensive experience playing against Real Madrid with La Liga teams UD Almeria and Atlético Madrid gave him a deep understanding of how the Spanish giants would operate.
Having faced Real Madrid on 13 occasions, he knew their style, players, and tactical nuances. This familiarity played a pivotal role in Arsenal's setup against the reigning Spanish champions.
One of the biggest advantages Partey brought to the table for the Gunners was his ability to read the game and neutralise the attacking threats posed by Real Madrid’s midfield maestros.
Players like Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga, known for their creative flair and vision, had their rhythm disrupted and any potential attacking moves shut down.
As the BBC reported, whether it was intercepting passes or maintaining possession in high-pressure situations, his awareness of Real Madrid’s game plan enabled him to be one step ahead.
Physical dominance in the midfield
Partey’s physicality helped Arsenal dominate the midfield. His strength, composure on the ball, and tactical awareness gave him the upper hand against Real Madrid’s highly talented midfielders.
Against Modric and Camavinga, who are known for their quick technical abilities, the Ghanaian international's ability to stay strong in tackles and win duels allowed him to control the midfield.
Meanwhile speaking to YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian sports journalist, Precious Semevor, ask for more of such headline displays from Partey.
''These are the kind of performances that earn you contract extension. You can see that lots of Arsenal fans are calling for Arsenal to hand him a new deal, and I believe Partey has some got some good football in the next 1 or two years ahead. He is such a great guy when he is in the mood to run things in the middle of the park,'' Semevor said.
His presence in the engine room also allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo of the game, something that is often difficult to achieve against a team as experienced and formidable as Real Madrid.
Source: Getty Images
Assisting Arsenal’s central play
With support from Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, who netted a brace, Partey was able to function as the anchor that held Arsenal's midfield together.
His ability to win the ball back and also distribute it effectively to his teammates ensured that his side could break forward with purpose and control.
Arsenal's 3-0 victory was a result of a cohesive and intelligent tactical display, with Partey’s prior experience against Real Madrid acting as a vital factor.
His understanding of Los Blancos, his physical prowess, and his leadership have given the English giants the advantage heading into the second leg.
Arsenal would be confident ahead of their next meeting in Madrid on April 16, per UEFA, with the home team needing at least three goals to stand a chance of progressing to the Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal would still be required to punch above their weight in the second leg against Carlo Ancelotti's side at the Santiago Bernebeu on April 16. Top performers such as Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, William Saliba, David Raya, Bukayo Saka would all be expected to do well.
On the flip side, the 15-time champions of the UEFA Champions League would hope for an improved performance when they welcome the Premier League side in the Spanish capital as the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr would be eager to make a mark.
Partey puts on masterclass vs Madagascar
YEN.com.gh previously reported on Thomas Partey's performance in Ghana's 3-0 win over Madagascar on March 24.
The Arsenal star racked up a brace in the 2026 World Cup qualifier, with the Black Stars eyeing a qualification place.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
