Two Ghanaian players, Thomas Partey and Ibrahim Osman, featured in the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, delivering contrasting performances for their respective clubs.
Partey played a role in Arsenal’s commanding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, while Osman endured a tough night in Feyenoord’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.
Thomas Partey – Arsenal (7) vs. PSV Eindhoven (1)
Thomas Partey returned to Champions League action for Arsenal, starting in midfield and putting in a composed performance before being substituted in the 71st minute for Oleksandr Zinchenko. While he wasn’t directly involved in any goals or assists, his role in Arsenal’s dominance was evident.
Partey recorded 47 touches and maintained an impressive 93% passing accuracy (38/41 completed passes), helping to control the tempo of the game. Though he did not register any key passes, his presence in midfield contributed to Arsenal’s overwhelming possession and attacking threat.
Defensively, Partey made three clearances and one interception, though he also committed two fouls and conceded a penalty, which was one of the few blemishes on an otherwise solid performance. His match rating of 6.3 on Sofascore reflects a steady but unspectacular display in a game where Arsenal’s attacking players stole the show.
Ibrahim Osman – Feyenoord (0) vs. Inter Milan (1)
Unlike Partey, Ibrahim Osman endured a frustrating evening as Feyenoord fell 1-0 to Inter Milan in a closely contested match. Playing the full 90 minutes, Osman tried to provide an attacking spark but struggled to make a decisive impact.
Despite attempting three shots, he failed to hit the target, finishing the game with an expected goals (xG) of just 0.07. His passing was less effective than Partey’s, completing 14 out of 18 passes (78% accuracy), though he did create some chances, registering three key passes and one big chance created.
Osman’s dribbling was a major issue, as he attempted four dribbles but failed to complete any. Up against a well-drilled Inter defense, he found it difficult to break through and influence the game in the final third. He ended the match with a rating of 6.8, reflecting a mixed performance in which he showed promise but lacked execution.
Contrasting Fortunes for Ghana’s UCL Representatives
While Partey played a supporting role in Arsenal’s emphatic victory, Osman struggled in a much tougher contest for Feyenoord. As the second leg approaches, Partey and Arsenal will be confident of progressing to the quarterfinals, while Osman and Feyenoord face an uphill battle to overturn their deficit against Inter.
Both Ghanaian players will look to step up in the return leg, hoping to make a bigger impact on European football’s biggest stage.