Thomas Partey Makes Villarreal Debut in Opening Day Win Over Real Oviedo
Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey marked his return to La Liga with his first competitive appearance for Villarreal on the opening night of the 2025/26 season.
The former Arsenal star came off the bench to help the Yellow Submarines seal a comfortable 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Real Oviedo at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Partey was introduced in the 82nd minute, replacing Santi Comenasa, as the UEFA Champions League campaigners opened their league season with three points.
The hosts had already taken control of the game earlier. Real Oviedo were reduced to ten men in the 26th minute following Alberto Reina’s red card, and Villarreal capitalised swiftly. Etta Eyong broke the deadlock in the 29th minute before Senegalese forward Pape Gueye doubled the advantage seven minutes later.
This was Partey’s first La Liga outing since leaving Atlético Madrid for Arsenal in 2020, marking a notable homecoming to Spanish football.
The 32-year-old is expected to play an influential role in Villarreal’s season after joining the club on a free transfer this summer. Despite ongoing legal challenges in England, the club backed his signing, anticipating his experience and quality to strengthen their midfield.
With Villarreal eyeing both domestic and continental success, Partey’s debut adds another layer of anticipation to his second stint in Spain’s top flight.
