Arsenal opened their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao, thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners were made to work for their win, with the hosts starting on the front foot. Adama Boiro’s early free-kick was blocked, but Athletic Club struggled to test Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Mikel Arteta’s side gradually imposed themselves as the first half progressed. Viktor Gyökeres twice went close, forcing a save from Unai Simón before heading wide from Jurriën Timber’s delivery. Despite Arsenal’s growing dominance, the game remained goalless at the interval.
After the restart, Arsenal continued to press. Gyökeres again threatened with a header from Declan Rice’s free-kick, while Noni Madueke’s cross-shot was tipped away by Simón.
The deadlock was finally broken just 36 seconds after Martinelli entered the field. The Brazilian forward wasted no time, striking clinically to give Arsenal the lead. Trossard added a decisive second soon after, ensuring the Gunners left San Mamés with a perfect start to their European campaign.
The result offers Arsenal early momentum in Group play, with Arteta’s men showing patience, resilience, and attacking depth in a tricky away fixture.
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