Thomas Partey’s return to the Wanda Metropolitano ended in disappointment as Villarreal slipped to their first defeat of the season against Atletico Madrid.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who rejoined La Liga during the summer to bolster Villarreal’s squad, was named in the starting lineup against his former club. Despite showing flashes of promise, the Yellow Submarine were undone by strikes from Pablo Barrios in the first half and Nicolas Gonzalez after the break.
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Reflecting on the game, Partey admitted his side had the chances to change the outcome but failed to make them count.
“I think it was a difficult game for us even though we created good chances to be able to be leading but it is part of football. Sometimes you don’t take your chances, and you concede from a goal that you play back is an error that shouldn’t happen, but it is part of football. We have to learn from this and keep learning,” he told Sporty TV.
While the loss stung, the former Arsenal man pointed to encouraging signs within the performance and expressed belief that Villarreal will sharpen up in attack as the season unfolds.
“I think the chances we created and how we pressed, we should be more decisive in the final third. The positive thing is we now know each other. I just joined the team and I think we did a great job today even though we did not get the win, we just have to keep working,” he added.
Final del partido.#AtletiVillarreal pic.twitter.com/EP0GxcI44J
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) September 13, 2025
Next up for Partey and Villarreal is a midweek UEFA Champions League trip to London, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur.
The 31-year-old will return to familiar territory with added responsibility, having racked up 44 appearances in Europe’s elite competition — more than any of his current teammates.
