Arsenal kicked off their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both found the net after coming on as substitutes, securing the win for the Gunners, as reported in media outlets covering match recap.
Martinelli scored in the 72nd minute off a pass from Trossard. Then, Trossard finished things off with a goal in the 87th minute. Their late goals quieted Bilbao’s fans. Even with some players injured, Mikel Arteta’s change in strategy worked out.
Bilbao’s Stumbling Served Arsenal
After a tough 1-0 loss to Alaves, Athletic Bilbao’s Coach Ernesto Valverde said the team is now putting its energy into La Liga. Media reports noted this too. Injuries to important players, such as Nico Williams, made their defense weaker. Arsenal engaged in an benefit of this, using their robust team. But Arsenal also had injuries in its team, with players like Ødegaard and Saka out, which tested their might. Arteta’s utilization of substitutes was a vital factor against a Bilbao team that seemed somewhat unfocused.
Transfer Moves Bolster Squad
Arsenal’s summer signings, like Viktor Gyökeres, improve and boost their attack. Gyökeres recently earned the “Best Player” award, contemplating his early impact.
At the same period, April transfer rumors linked Nico Williams to Arsenal, though he stayed with Bilbao. Arteta’s strategy of mixing fresh talent with seasoned players paid off, even with a lot of injuries, as you can see from the whiteboard full of crossed-out names.
Author’s Note
Arsenal commenced its Champions League in a major way, defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-0. Martinelli and Trossard played great. With Bilbao’s Valverde paying more attention to the league, Arsenal’s Arteta had a strategy edge.
Gyökeres is currently in good form, and Arsenal’s previous interest in Williams suggests the club is serious about building a winning team. The team do need to keep watch on any injury concerns.
Fans should relish and take delight in this win, but it’s smart to retain the fact that there will be tougher games ahead. Arteta’s ability to conform could be pivotal to Arsenal’s success this season.
