Arsenal launched their UEFA Champions League campaign with a statement of intent, securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Gunners, semi-finalists last season, relied on the impact of substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to break down a stubborn Bilbao side in front of a passionate Basque crowd.
The encounter began with Bilbao showing determination to frustrate Arsenal’s fluid attacking play.
The hosts pressed aggressively, limiting space for Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, while relying on counter-attacks to test the visitors’ backline.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Declan Rice’s long-range effort coming closest before being tipped away by Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute, just moments after Martinelli was introduced for Eberechi Eze.
The Brazilian winger latched onto a clever through ball from Trossard and finished clinically, silencing the home support. The goal lifted Arsenal’s intensity and forced Bilbao to open up, which in turn created more spaces for the visitors to exploit.
With three minutes of normal time remaining, Arsenal doubled their lead. This time Martinelli turned provider, racing down the left flank before squaring for Trossard, who calmly slotted home to seal the win.
The combination of the two substitutes underlined the depth and versatility of Mikel Arteta’s squad, giving Arsenal a strong platform in a group campaign where every point will matter.
Bilbao, playing in their first Champions League group stage in years, showed flashes of quality but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Arsenal’s defence consistently.
The absence of Nico Williams was felt, while Iñaki Williams struggled to make an impact against the composed partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel.
