Thomas Partey put in a five-star performance as Atletico Madrid claimed a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday evening.
Prior to the clash, the 26-year old had exclaimed that Los Rojiblancos were used to coping with difficult situations.
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They certainly did here, holding their nerves till the final whistle after Saul Niguez's fourth-minute strike.
Partey featured for the whole 90 minutes and gave a good account of himself by preventing Liverpool from finding the spaces they would usually penetrate into.
⏱ 94’ [ 1-0 ] 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 & 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁. Atleti take the first leg.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 18, 2020
Thank YOU for your support, it was out of this world
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🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/lB2YO12ube
The Ghana international was brilliant on the ball making 53 touches, 26 accurate passes (72.2%), two key passes and three successful long balls from seven.
Offense wise, he had three total shots and two successful dribbles from two attempts.
On the defensive side, the Atleti academy graduate won seven of 10 ground duels, three of three aerial duels and also made one interception and five tackles.
The return leg takes place at Anfield on March 11.
Atletico will turn their attention to La Liga where they host Villarreal on Sunday.