Thomas Partey played big part for Atletico Madrid as Simeone’s side suffer 1-0 defeat to Juve in Champions League
Ghanaian fine midfielder Thomas Partey was named in Atletico Madrid’s eleven against Juve in the fourth round of the Champions League in Turin on Tuesday night. The Ghanaian was dropped from ATL starting lineup in Laliga clash against Granada past weekend.
Partey was lineup with Koke, Hector Herrera and Saul Niguez in a four man midfield for ATL. Despite his inclusion to Simeone’s eleven against Juve, his side Atletico Madrid were beaten 1-0 by Sarri’s men- goal by Paulo Dybala on 42+2 minute- haven kept a very resilient defensive display in the first half.
Partey’s first shot at goal came six minutes into the game as his shot at the back of Juve penalty area hit the wall. Six minutes later, a volley from Partey in similar position saw the Ghanaian’s effort go wide of the posts for a goal-kick.
On the 30’ minute, Partey cleared his 12-yard box after a deflected cross had find it way into ATL box, before also playing Morata through on goal on 55’ minute but the Spanish was adjudged offside.
The Black Stars midfielder continued his defensive duties during the entire second half, leaving the attacking aspect of their play to Vitolo, Herrera and Saul Niguez. Atletico Madrid have lost consecutive Champions League group-stage matches for the first time since October 2009.
Dybala has also scored eight goals in the Champions League since the start of last season, more than any other Juventus player.
Atletico Madrid sit second in group D with 7 points, six more points behind leaders Juve but a point above third place Bayer Leverkusen.
