Thomas Teye Partey has become the first Ghanaian player to win the UEFA Super Cup.
Ibrahim Tanko and Christian Gyan lost the 1997 and 2001 editions with Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively.
The new Black Stars play maker helped Atletico Madrid to beat city rivals Real Madrid 4-2 during a pleasant Wednesday evening in the Estonia city of Tallinn in which the Ghanian international assisted the crucial third goal of his side.
Partey provided a brilliant assist for Saul Niguez to put Atletico 3-2 up eight minutes inside the first half of extra time.
Manager Diego Simeone had brought on Partey to take the place of debutant Thomas Lemar in the 90th minute.
The former Tema Youth player also is the only third Ghanaian player to play in the UEFA Super Cup after Ibrahim Tanko and Christian Gyan.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone identified the introduction of Thomas Partey into their UEFA Super Cup game against Real Madrid as the catalyst for their victory.
Atletico produced an inspired extra time performance to upstage their city rivals on Wednesday night in Tallinn, Estonia.
The Ghana international, Partey, came off the bench late in regulation time, and was on hand to set up Saul Niguez for Atletico’s 3rd, as well as posing a constant threat to the Madrid defense with his tireless running.
After the game, Simeone hailed the 25 year old’s performance and his influence on the game.
“When we made the change with Thomas, plenty probably asked what we were doing, but he can play in that position.
“The substitution gave us more strength and every time we attacked you could smell the goal coming,” he said.
Simeone went on to defend his team’s style after being on the end of criticism in recent weeks.
We have our own style; that doesn’t change because of a result or the number of goals scored. Our style is built on structure, design and strategy. The 4-2 scoreline won’t change our style,” he added.
The victory is Atletico’s third Super Cup triumph in their third attempt.
Story by Sammy Heywood Okine