Former Arsenal and Atlético Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey made his Villarreal debut on Friday, coming off the bench late in a 2-0 win over 10-man Real Oviedo in their LaLiga opener.
Partey, 32, entered the match in the 82nd minute to a mix of boos and applause from the home crowd at Estadio de la Cerámica. He replaced Santi Comesaña for his first LaLiga appearance since leaving Spain in 2020.
The Ghana international joined Villarreal last week after his contract with Arsenal expired in June. His return to Spanish football comes amid serious legal troubles. Partey was granted conditional bail last week at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which he denies.
Villarreal capitalized early after Oviedo’s Alberto Reina was sent off in the 31st minute for a second yellow card. Etta Eyong scored just two minutes later with a powerful header, and Pape Gueye doubled the lead before halftime.
Oviedo’s best chance came early when veteran striker Salomón Rondón missed a penalty in the 14th minute. Villarreal keeper Luiz Júnior guessed correctly, diving to his left to make the save.
In another season opener, Rayo Vallecano defeated Girona 3-1 away in a match that also saw a red card. Goals from Jorge de Frutos and Álvaro García gave Rayo a 2-0 lead before Girona keeper Paulo Gazzaniga was sent off for a foul in the box. Isi Palazón converted the penalty, and while Joel Roca pulled one back for Girona, the result was never in doubt.
LaLiga continues this weekend with Barcelona visiting Mallorca on Saturday, Atlético Madrid away at Espanyol on Sunday, and Real Madrid kicking off their season at home to Osasuna on Tuesday
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