Arsenal defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in their Champions League opener, with late goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The victory showcased Arsenal’s squad depth and resilience, overcoming a tough Bilbao side that defended well for much of the match.
Arsenal commenced their Champions League campaign with a significant 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Tuesday. The win, secured through second-half goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, highlighted Arsenal's squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Athletic Bilbao faced challenges coming into the match, missing key players such as winger Nico Williams, midfielder Benat Prados, and defender Unai Egiluz due to injuries. Additionally, defender Yeray Alvarez remained suspended. Their lineup featured Unai Simon in goal, a backline of Andoni Gorosabel, Adama Boiro, Dani Vivian, and Aitor Paredes. Mikel Jauregizar and Mikel Vesga formed the midfield partnership, with Alex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, and Robert Navarro supporting striker Inaki Williams.
Arsenal also had their share of absentees, with Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined due to injury. William Saliba was fit enough only for a place on the bench. David Raya started in goal, with Christhian Mosquera partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in central defense. Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber occupied the full-back positions. The midfield comprised Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino, while Viktor Gyokeres led the attack supported by Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
The match began cautiously, with Bilbao's aggressive pressing making it difficult for Arsenal to establish control, particularly in the first half. Chances were limited for both sides, with neither able to find a cutting edge. Arsenal had glimpses of opportunity – Gyokeres tested Simon with a low shot, Madueke showed promise on the right wing, and Eze nearly capitalized on a cut-back, only to be denied by a crucial intervention from Gorosabel. However, Bilbao’s solid defensive structure ensured Simon remained relatively untroubled.
After halftime, Arsenal gradually asserted more dominance, but the breakthrough remained elusive until late in the game. Mikel Arteta's substitutions proved pivotal. Trossard was introduced first, then Martinelli replaced Eze around the 71st minute. Astonishingly, Martinelli needed only 36 seconds to make an impact, latching onto a flicked through-ball from Trossard, racing clear, and slotting the ball past Simon.
Bilbao attempted to respond, pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but Arsenal’s defense stood firm. In the 87th minute, Martinelli was again instrumental. After beating his marker and reaching the byline, he cut the ball back to Trossard, whose shot, albeit deflected, found its way into the net, sealing the victory for Arsenal.
The introduction of Trossard and Martinelli injected fresh energy and precision into Arsenal’s attack. Martinelli’s immediate impact, scoring so soon after coming on, emphasized the depth Arsenal possesses. His direct running caused problems for Bilbao’s defense, while Trossard’s intelligent movement created space and opportunities. Their combined effort for the second goal underscored the importance of Arsenal’s squad depth in a demanding European campaign.
Despite the defeat, Athletic Bilbao demonstrated resilience and determination, frustrating Arsenal for much of the match. Their aggressive pressing and physical approach in midfield disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. Simon made several important saves, while defenders like Gorosabel made crucial challenges to keep the match level. Although they ultimately succumbed to Arsenal’s quality, Bilbao can take encouragement from their performance, showing they can compete at this level. While they lacked a clinical edge in attack, their resilience suggests they can still influence the outcome of the group.
This victory was not a vintage Arsenal performance, but it demonstrated the maturity and patience instilled by Arteta. Instead of becoming frustrated, the team trusted their system and capitalized on their fitness and quality to gain control late in the match. The fresh legs of Trossard and Martinelli ultimately decided the contest, highlighting Arsenal’s evolution into a team capable of securing results even in challenging circumstances.
Their defensive discipline also deserves recognition—Athletic Bilbao struggled to create clear-cut chances, and Arsenal managed the closing stages of the match with composure and authority after securing the second goal.