In their opening game of the 2025–26 Champions League, Arsenal defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at the Estadio San Mames on Tuesday. The starting lineup included five players that joined the team during the summer, but it was two old faces that made the difference.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard each scored late in the second half to seal the victory, but the Gunners controlled most of the game and were unable to get through the home team’s defense until the very end.
Since numerous new players were added before the season began, Martinelli and Trossard’s roles were altered, and neither goal scorer began the game for Mikel Arteta’s team. In any case, Martinelli scored just 30 seconds after entering the game, and the offensive combination played both goals together after coming off the bench.
Player ratings as Gunners get off to the perfect start in Spain
Arsenal was threatened with a counterattack as the game got underway. Unai Simón easily saved a feeble effort after Viktor Gyökeres grabbed an early through pass but was pushed wide.
The nearest Athletic Club player was Robert Navarro, who slipped in behind Zubimendi on the inside left channel. His shot was strong but lacked direction.
Madueke beat Adama Boiro virtually at will as Arsenal controlled the first few minutes of the second half. But his last ball was below par and posed no danger.
Arsenal didn’t take the game by storm until Leandro Trossard replaced Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli took Eze’s position on the left. Martinelli scored just 36 seconds after the Brazilian had entered the game thanks to the two of them.
In the last five minutes, Trossard converted Martinelli’s pull-back with a deflection to seal the victory.
