Arsenal defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on the road at San Mamés to start their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The Gunners controlled the majority of the game, but until the second half, when replacements made all the difference, they were thwarted by Bilbao’s solid defense and passionate home crowd.
In what proved to be a decisive tactical move, Gabriel Martinelli came on in the 72nd minute for Eberechi Eze and scored just 36 seconds after entering the field, racing onto a long pass from his fellow substitute Leandro Trossard, beating the defence and finishing under Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón. ESPN.com+2Reuters+2 Later, in the 87th minute, Trossard added a second when Martinelli cut inside from the byline and pulled a pass back for the Belgian, whose strike— aided by a deflection—floated over Simón to seal the result. ESPN.com+2Sky Sports+2
Despite his best efforts, Bilbao was unable to penetrate Arsenal’s defense, which held firm all night. The victory shows the depth of Arsenal’s squad, particularly the impact off the bench, and gives them a strong start in their group. While Bilbao will try to improve on their defensive performance and find more effective tactics to challenge in future group games, Arsenal will be happy to gain three points from a fierce match in a hostile arena.
TALKING POINT
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What happened:The goals of substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard helped Arsenal upset Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at San Mamés in their Champions League debut.
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How it unfolded: For extended periods, there were few obvious opportunities in the fiercely contested game. Although they had most of the possession, Arsenal required Martinelli’s arrival in the 72nd minute to make the breakthrough, and Trossard’s strike late in the game sealed the victory.
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Standout players: Gabriel Martinelli stood out, scoring almost immediately after coming on and supplying the assist for the second. Trossard’s composure and finishing under pressure also earned praise.
The result gives Arsenal a promising start in the Champions League group stage. Bilbao, making their first appearance in Europe’s elite competition in 11 years, showed resolve but will need more offensive threat to keep pace with a high-tempo group.
