Thomas Partey gives the recipe to bring down Real Madrid

As the highly anticipated second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal looms large on the horizon, the tactical preparations and mental fortitude of both teams are under intense scrutiny. Having secured a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal travel to the Santiago Bernabéu with a significant advantage. However, they are acutely aware of Real Madrid’s formidable reputation for staging remarkable comebacks on their home turf.

Amidst the pre-match anticipation, Arsenal’s influential defensive midfielder, Thomas Partey, has offered a revealing insight into the mindset and tactical approach that the Gunners will adopt as they aim to extinguish Real Madrid’s Champions League aspirations. Partey, a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s midfield, understands the magnitude of the task at hand and the importance of maintaining focus and composure against a wounded Real Madrid side.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Partey exuded confidence and determination, emphasizing the need for Arsenal to approach the game with unwavering belief. The Ghanaian international, a calming presence in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, is no stranger to high-pressure situations and believes that his team possesses the necessary mental resilience to see out the tie.

Reflecting on the first-leg triumph, Partey acknowledged the significant advantage that Arsenal holds but cautioned against any complacency. He stressed the importance of not allowing Real Madrid to gain any foothold in the game or to nurture any hope of a miraculous comeback. Partey’s words underscore the psychological battle that often unfolds in such high-stakes European encounters.

“We have to play with confidence,” Partey stated emphatically, outlining the fundamental approach that Arsenal will adopt at the Santiago Bernabéu. The midfielder’s emphasis on confidence highlights the belief within the Arsenal squad that they have the quality and tactical nous to compete with and ultimately overcome a team of Real Madrid’s stature.

Partey further elaborated on this point, drawing on Arsenal’s experiences in navigating challenging situations throughout the season. “We have already been in this situation on several occasions here, and I think it will not be different this time,” he remarked, suggesting that the team’s collective experiences have prepared them for the intense atmosphere and pressure that awaits them in Madrid.

The Ghanaian midfielder stressed the importance of maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game. “It will simply be necessary to have confidence with the ball and play our best football,” he asserted, indicating that Arsenal’s game plan will revolve around their established principles of possession-based football and exploiting spaces in the Real Madrid defense.

Partey also highlighted the importance of maintaining a proactive and assertive mindset. “We know what we have to do: go there with a conquering state of mind,” he declared, signaling Arsenal’s intention to not merely defend their lead but to actively seek to impose their game on Real Madrid.

For Partey and his Arsenal teammates, the objective in Madrid is clear: to secure a victory in the second leg, regardless of their comfortable advantage from the first encounter. “We want to win every match,” Partey affirmed, reinforcing the team’s ambition and competitive spirit.

He further explained that Arsenal will not deviate from their established playing style. “It is necessary to continue to play our game, keep confidence with the ball, and continue to exploit the opposing flaws,” Partey stated, underscoring the importance of consistency and capitalizing on any weaknesses that Real Madrid might present.

The statistics certainly favor Arsenal heading into the second leg. The Gunners boast an impressive defensive record, having not conceded three goals in a single match for a remarkable 79 consecutive games across all competitions. This statistic highlights the defensive solidity that Mikel Arteta has instilled in his team.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s last defeat by a three-goal margin dates back nearly two years, occurring in the Premier League during the 2022-2023 season. This resilience and ability to avoid heavy defeats underscore the challenge that Real Madrid faces in attempting to overturn the 3-0 deficit.

Despite these favorable statistics for Arsenal, the specter of Real Madrid’s legendary comebacks in the Champions League looms large. The Spanish giants have a rich history of defying the odds and producing unforgettable turnarounds in European competitions, particularly at the Santiago Bernabéu, fueled by the passionate support of their home fans.

It is precisely this potential for a Real Madrid resurgence that Thomas Partey is determined to prevent. His emphasis on confidence, a conquering mindset, and exploiting weaknesses serves as a clear message that Arsenal will not be intimidated by the occasion or their opponent’s reputation.

In conclusion, Thomas Partey’s “recipe” for bringing down Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final boils down to a potent combination of confidence, tactical discipline, a proactive mindset, and a relentless pursuit of victory. As Arsenal prepare for the daunting task ahead, Partey’s words offer a glimpse into the unwavering belief and determination that permeates the Gunners’ camp as they aim to secure their place in the semi-finals of Europe’s premier club competition.