Tottenham will face Thomas Partey as well as £70m ex-Arsenal star in Champions League
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Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media/Imago
Alex Oakhill
Tue 16 September 2025 16:38, UK
Tottenham are set to face a former Arsenal winger in their Champions League group phase opener against Villarreal, along with the ex-Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey.
Thomas Frank’s side begin their European journey on Tuesday (16 September) at 8 pm, as they welcome the Spanish side to North London.
Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final to secure their spot in the Champions League.
It is the first time Spurs are appearing in the competition since the 2022-23 campaign, when they were knocked out at the Last 16 stage by AC Milan.
Credit: Imago
Tottenham will be coming up against a familiar face on Tuesday evening, as former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe currently plays for Villarreal.
The 30-year-old joined the Gunners back in 2019 for a huge fee of £72million, but underwhelmed in North London.
Pepe was meant to be Arsenal’s next star, but was quickly forgotten by fans after being replaced by a certain Bukayo Saka.
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After several years down the pecking order at the Emirates, the Ivorian was eventually released, spending a year at Turkish side Trabzonspor before making the move to Villarreal.
Pepe has started the campaign in great form for Villarreal, and was recognised by being crowned the La Liga player of the month for August.
The former Gunner has two goals and an assist in his four league games so far this season, with the Spanish side sitting sixth in the table.
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During his time in the Premier League, Pepe failed to find the back of the net in any of his three appearances against Tottenham, but did grab an assist during a 2-2 draw in 2019.
However, in his current form, the Ivory Coast international could easily make Spurs pay if they are not careful, so Frank’s side will have to ensure they are defensively solid.