Arsenal kicked off their 2025–26 Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, 17 September, thanks to decisive contributions from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Struggling to break down a resilient Bilbao side at the boisterous San Mamés Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s team were finally rewarded after turning to their bench. Martinelli, who replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute, made an instant impact, scoring less than a minute after coming on following a flicked pass from Trossard.
The Brazilian forward then combined with Trossard again three minutes from time, providing a clever pullback from the byline that the Belgian forward converted to seal the win.
Earlier in the game, Arsenal had created chances but failed to convert them. Viktor Gyokeres threatened with a shot and a diving header, while Eze was denied by a crucial clearance from Bilbao defender Andoni Gorosabel. The first half was cagey, with Bilbao always a threat on the counter, and the intensity on the pitch struggled to match the energy in the stands.
Arsenal increased the pressure in the early stages of the second half, but it was the introduction of Martinelli that truly turned the game in their favour. His clever finish and subsequent assist highlighted the impact of Arteta’s substitutions.
The win gives Arsenal a positive start to the group, following last season’s semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain. They will next host Olympiakos on 1 October, while Bilbao travel to face Borussia Dortmund on the same day.
