Partey plays in Atletico defeat

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was in Uefa Champions League action for Atletico Madrid as they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in their final group game on Tuesday.

Having enjoyed playing time last season, where he even got minutes in the final against Real Madrid, the 23-year-old had only made the bench twice before this game, having apparently fallen down the pecking order under Diego Simeone.

He was sent on in the 68th minute in place of Koke as Los Rojiblancos chased the game following Robert Lewandowaski’s goal.

The defeat was of no effect in the standings, though, as Atletico had already secured top spot in Group D and will face one of the second-placed teams in the Round of 16.

Partey had his first full game of the season in the Copa del Rey victory over Guijuelo last Wednesday, but rumours of a January exit from the club may persist if he cannot find a more prominent role for himself in the Spanish capital.