Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey made his first competitive appearance for Villarreal on the opening night of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign. The former Arsenal player climbed off the bench to help the Yellow Submarines to a cruising 2-0 victory against returnees Real Oviedo at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Partey replaced Santi Comenasa with eight minutes remaining as the UEFA Champions League campaigners got off to a winning start.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Etta Eyong moments after Real Oviedo have been reduced to ten men following Alberto Reina's red card.
Villarreal took advantage of the situation to double their lead before half time after Senegalese forward Pape Gueye scored in the 36th minute.
