Arsenal defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the Champions League, with substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring. Martinelli scored the fastest substitute goal in Arsenal’s Champions League history. Arsenal have now won five straight group stage matches in the competition. Arteta praised his team and highlighted the importance of squad depth.
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard after their combined efforts secured a 2-0 victory for Arsenal against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League. The duo's impact off the bench proved decisive as Arsenal kicked off their European campaign with a win.
Martinelli made an instant impact, scoring just 36 seconds after entering the field. This remarkable feat marked Arsenal's fastest-ever substitute goal in the Champions League, sending a clear message of intent to Bilbao. Shortly after, Trossard sealed the victory in the 87th minute at San Mames, ensuring the Gunners took all three points back to London.
The goals were not just individual brilliance but a testament to teamwork, as Trossard and Martinelli assisted each other. This rare occurrence marked the first time in Champions League history that Arsenal substitutes have combined for multiple goals in a single game, highlighting the depth and tactical flexibility within Arteta's squad.
Arsenal's victory extends their impressive run in the Champions League group stage, securing their fifth consecutive win. This achievement marks their best form in Europe's premier competition since a streak of six wins between December 2004 and November 2005. Notably, the last five of those wins came during the season they reached the Champions League final, adding weight to the current run.
Starting our Champions League campaign with a win
Thank you for all your support tonight, Gooners pic.twitter.com/X5xFx6p6aJ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 16, 2025
Arteta emphasized the importance of his substitutes making an impact, stating, "Something that we always discuss is that the finishers have to impact the game, and Gabi and Leo came on to make the difference for the team." He added, "They were outstanding, and the rest of the team as well. In many moments, they were at a very good level."
The Arsenal manager highlighted the connection and importance felt by every player in the squad, saying, "It means that [Gabi and Leo] are connected, and they feel that they are really, really important. We have discussed that a lot. We’re going to need that." He further elaborated on the team spirit, adding, "Piero [Hincapie] comes in and plays five minutes and so does Christian [Norgaard], and it’s the best five minutes of their lives. That’s the spirit that we need amongst the squad. If we have everybody at that level, we’ll win a lot of games."
Bilbao, making their first Champions League appearance since the 2014-15 season, put up a commendable fight. Head coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the narrow margins in the game, stating, "It’s a matter of details when the game is so even." He accepted the harsh realities of the competition, saying, "This is the Champions League, and nobody is going to forgive you. We are in high competition, and we have to accept things as they are."
Despite matching Arsenal with 11 shots each, Bilbao were unable to convert their chances. Arsenal will now prepare to host Olympiacos on October 1 in their next Champions League fixture, while Bilbao face a challenging trip to Borussia Dortmund.
The victory provides Arsenal with a strong foundation to build on in Group F as they continue their quest for Champions League glory. The impact of Martinelli and Trossard off the bench has given Arteta further selection headaches, with both players staking a strong claim for more starting opportunities in upcoming matches. With a blend of youth and experience, Arsenal appear well-equipped to navigate the challenges of both domestic and European competition. The depth of the squad will be crucial as they aim to compete on all fronts this season, with Arteta's astute substitutions proving to be a game-changer in their opening Champions League fixture.