Rice shines, but Partey was Arsenal's true hero against Real Madrid

It was arguably the greatest European night in Arsenal’s storied history.

A 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening left the reigning champions humbled. In truth, Los Blancos were fortunate the scoreline wasn’t even more lopsided, with the Gunners denied twice by goal-line clearances.

The headlines rightfully belong to Declan Rice, whose two stunning free-kicks will be replayed for years to come. Both strikes were masterclasses in technique – the first curled expertly around the Madrid wall, the second whipped into the opposite top corner with precision.

That they were the Englishman’s first-ever free-kick goals in his 339-game professional career only adds to their remarkable nature.

While Rice is deservedly the name on everyone’s lips ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu next Wednesday, I’d argue another Arsenal star was the true architect of this historic triumph in north London.

Step forward, Arsenal’s other midfield titan – Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian maestro, one of Mikel Arteta’s first signings as Arsenal manager in 2019, showed precisely why the Spaniard has always held him in such high regard. Against a Real Madrid midfield featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga – a trio brimming with world-class talent – Partey asserted his dominance, dictating the game.

From the first whistle, Partey set the tone in his holding role, orchestrating Arsenal’s tempo and giving Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard the freedom to roam and flourish.

The best players seem to operate on a different wavelength – they know what they’re going to do with the ball before it even reaches them, with a mental picture already painted in their minds. Partey embodied this brilliance, effortlessly baiting Madrid’s midfield into pressing him before escaping with grace or initiating a dangerous attack.

The numbers back up what the eye test already confirmed. Over 90 minutes, Arsenal’s No. 5 had 77 touches, completed 61 of his 66 passes (including seven into the final third), made six ball recoveries, won more than half his ground duels, registered two shots on target, and recorded one interception.

According to OPTA, Partey ranked third in their points table, trailing only Declan Rice and Mikel Merino – and largely because those two scored. Without the goals factored in, Partey would have comfortably led the rankings.

Yet statistics can only tell part of the story. It was Partey’s awareness, decision-making, and adaptability that truly stood out. His instinct to simplify the game was a masterclass in itself – a one-touch pass here, a quick release there, all designed to keep Arsenal ticking while disrupting Madrid’s rhythm.

But when space opened up and Madrid’s famed midfielders hesitated to close him down, Partey used his rare combination of athleticism and agility to stride forward, driving Arsenal from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.

It was elite-level midfield play, the kind that turns good teams into great ones.

Madrid will undoubtedly have taken note and will likely aim to overload the midfield in next Wednesday's second leg to stifle Partey’s influence. Yet, the damage may already be irreparable.

As formidable as Madrid have been throughout their illustrious history in this competition, overturning a three-goal deficit against an Arsenal side renowned for their defensive solidity feels like an almost impossible mountain to climb.

With Partey operating at full throttle and Arsenal’s backline proving impenetrable, even the reigning champions might find this challenge beyond their reach.