Arsenal opened their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in San Mamés. The Gunners controlled much of the match but struggled in the first half to convert chances. Then, substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard turned the game in Arsenal’s favour with two crucial moments after coming off the bench.
The Turning Point: Substitutes Make the Difference
Mikel Arteta brought on Gabriel Martinelli in place of Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute. Less than a minute later, Martinelli sprinted past the defense after a clever flick from Trossard and slotted the ball under goalkeeper Unai Simón. Later, in the 87th minute, the two substitutes combined again: Martinelli pulled a cross back from the byline and Trossard finished with a deflected strike. Those goals provided Arsenal with what they needed to secure the win away from home.
First Half: Frustration and Build-Up
During the opening 45 minutes, Athletic Bilbao defended in depth and disrupted Arsenal’s early rhythm. Arsenal attempted multiple attacks, especially down the wings through Noni Madueke, but found Athletic’s compact defensive block tough to break. The absence of key players weighed on Arsenal’s attacking fluidity. Manager Arteta made changes at half-time, hoping to unlock the game more decisively.
Defence Holds, Discipline Matters
Athletic created a few openings but failed to test David Raya significantly. Arsenal’s backline, including Gabriel and Mosquera, stayed disciplined throughout. Despite physical pressure and intermittent breaks from Bilbao, the defenders prevented clear chances. Athletic committed several fouls as they tried to regain control, but Arsenal managed transitions well and kept their composure.
What the Win Signals
This result underlines Arsenal’s strength in squad depth. Because they lacked some starters, the performance of bench players like Martinelli and Trossard looked especially promising. Also, winning away in Europe at a historic stadium like San Mamés builds confidence for their upcoming fixtures, both in the Champions League and Premier League. Arteta expressed satisfaction afterward, stressing that sometimes “finishers” must change the game this night; they did.
What Arsenal Needs to Build On
Moving forward, Arsenal must work on breaking down defensive setups earlier in matches so they do not rely solely on the latter stages. Also, maintaining energy and precision in attack under pressure will help. Injuries to key players remain a concern, and rotation will play a crucial role. If the substitutes continue to perform, Arsenal possesses the flexibility that other teams may struggle with.
Bilbao’s Performance: Effort Without Reward
For Athletic, the night showed character even in defeat. They defended admirably and made things difficult for Arsenal. Their pressing and willingness to disrupt Arsenal’s passing in midfield kept the match competitive until the second half. However, they have to find ways to finish chances and remain cohesive when under pressure, especially when facing teams with strong depth.
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