Thomas Partey makes Villareal La Liga debut in comfortable win
Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey made his first competitive appearance for Villarreal on the opening night of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign.
The former Arsenal player came off the bench to help the Yellow Submarines secure a comfortable 2–0 victory against returnees Real Oviedo at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Partey replaced Santi Comesaña with eight minutes remaining as the UEFA Champions League campaigners got off to a winning start.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Etta Eyong moments after Real Oviedo had been reduced to ten men following Alberto Reina’s red card.
Villarreal took advantage of the situation to double their lead before half-time, with Senegalese forward Pape Gueye scoring in the 36th minute.
The game was Partey’s first in the Spanish league since his departure to Arsenal in 2020, following a successful spell with Madrid-based Atlético Madrid.
Partey is expected to play a pivotal role at Villarreal after the club took the risk of signing him despite his impending court case in England.
The 32-year-old has been accused of rape and sexual assault by three women in the United Kingdom.
