Thomas Partey delivered an outstanding performance as Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Black Stars midfielder controlled the game from the middle of the pitch, helping the Gunners secure a huge advantage.

Declan Rice scored two stunning goals from free kicks, while Mikel Merino added a third to complete the win.

Partey, who used to play for Atlético Madrid, was heavily involved throughout the match.

He had 77 touches, completed 61 of his 66 passes, and showed great control and awareness.

He also made seven passes into the final third, recovered the ball six times, won four out of seven ground duels, completed both of his long passes, and made one interception.

Arsenal will now turn their focus to the second leg, which will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, where another strong performance will be needed to reach the semifinals.

See some reactions below:

One word for Thomas Partey’s performance last night…I’ll start: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kcWbT5D8g9— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) April 9, 2025

Petition to keep Thomas Partey at Arsenal for another few years! Sensational footballer 💎 pic.twitter.com/xo8SomWC7z— Gooner Chris (@ArsenalN7) April 9, 2025

We can’t afford to lose him!Declan Rice on Thomas Partey! pic.twitter.com/FtFCAzKmQe— GravityGooner✨ (@Gravitygunner14) April 9, 2025

Thomas Partey deserve to be Arsenal Captain— Izzy James (@JamesIzzy40524) April 9, 2025