Bilbao, Spain – September 16, 2025
Arsenal began their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés Stadium on Tuesday evening. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring just 36 seconds after entering the match in the 72nd minute, and Leandro Trossard sealed the win with a late strike in the 87th minute.
Manager Mikel Arteta reflected on last season’s semi-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain, emphasizing the team’s belief and determination to improve upon past European performances. “We want to use our experiences to grow and challenge for success at the highest level,” Arteta stated ahead of the match.
Arsenal were without several key players, including captain Martin Ødegaard, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during the 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest. Despite these absences, Arteta expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, highlighting recent summer signings Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke.
The victory marks a positive start to Arsenal’s European campaign as they aim to build on their historical best, having finished as runners-up to Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League.
