Arsenal defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in their Champions League opener, with second-half goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Declan Rice also played a key role. This win marks historic milestones for Arsenal in European competitions.
Arsenal began their Champions League journey with a resounding 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, thanks to second-half goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The match, held at San Mames, saw Arsenal secure a hard-fought three points on the road in a game where clear-cut chances were few and far between.
Despite a bright start from Athletic Bilbao, it was Arsenal who carved out the best opportunity in the first half. Viktor Gyokeres met Jurrien Timber’s pinpoint cross with a diving header in the 30th minute, but the ball narrowly missed the target. This chance was one of only four shots Arsenal managed in the first half, marking their lowest total in the opening 45 minutes of a game since December’s EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace.
However, the introduction of Martinelli and Trossard in the second half proved to be a masterstroke by manager Mikel Arteta. The substitutes injected fresh energy and creativity into Arsenal’s attack, ultimately turning the tide in their favor.
Martinelli broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, just 36 seconds after entering the pitch. Trossard's clever flick from the halfway line released Martinelli, who calmly slotted the ball past Unai Simon, giving Arsenal a crucial lead.
The pair then combined again in the 87th minute to seal the victory. Martinelli, showing great awareness, cut the ball back from the byline to find Trossard, whose shot took a deflection, leaving Simon helpless as it found the back of the net.
A BIG three points to kick off our Champions League campaign pic.twitter.com/TjOpfxM8mn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 16, 2025
Even though Martinelli and Trossard grabbed the headlines, Declan Rice was instrumental in Arsenal's performance. The midfielder orchestrated Arsenal’s attacks, creating the most chances (three) and registering the joint-most passes in the final third (15). Rice also showcased his ability to drive Arsenal forward, leading the team with the most final third entries (10).
This win marked several significant milestones for Arsenal. They became the first team in European Cup/Champions League history to defeat Spanish sides in six consecutive matches, having secured all five wins in the last two seasons. The Gunners have also won five consecutive group stage/league phase matches in the Champions League for the first time since a run of six between December 2004 and November 2005.
Furthermore, Martinelli and Trossard's combined efforts made history, marking the first time Arsenal substitutes have combined for multiple goals in the same Champions League match. This victory provides a perfect start to Arsenal's Champions League campaign, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.