Thomas Partey Focused on Real Madrid Clash as Arsenal Aim to Finish the Job in Spain
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has shifted his focus to Arsenal’s upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Real Madrid, as the Gunners prepare to defend their commanding 3-0 first-leg advantage.
Partey, who delivered an impressive performance in the opening leg at the Emirates Stadium, will be making a return to familiar territory in Spain, having spent the majority of his professional career with Real Madrid’s cross-city rivals, Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old continued his strong run of form over the weekend, scoring in Arsenal’s Premier League match against Brentford. Now, with confidence high, Partey is optimistic about Arsenal’s chances of finishing the job against the 14-time European champions at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Partey stressed the importance of composure and tactical discipline.
“I think we’ve experienced this many times when we play here and I think it’s not going to be something different,” he said. “We just have to be confident with the ball and try to play our game.”
Despite Arsenal’s healthy advantage, Partey insists the team is not taking anything for granted and will approach the second leg with the same winning mindset.
“We all know what we have to do. We have to go there with the mentality to win. We want to win every game. And I think we have to play our game, be confident with the ball and also try to find their weaknesses and keep attacking them,” he added.
Partey’s return to Madrid adds an emotional edge to the contest, but the focus remains firmly on helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in over a decade.
