Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Champions League journey with a 2-0 away win over Athletic Bilbao. Goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the dying minutes. Mikel Arteta’s team gets the full three points. Bilbao is back after ten years. Arsenal want to go far. The loss in the semis last season is their motivation. Supporters are thrilled with the game. Let’s check out the likely roster for Arsenal Bilbao Predicted Lineup.
Arteta’s Tactical Setup Shines
Arteta chooses a 4-3-3 system. David Raya is between the sticks. On both sides of the defense are Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães make up the defense.
Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice make up the midfield. Rice is at the base. Merino is the creator. Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, and Eberechi Eze are the attacking trio. Arsenal’s predicted lineup delivers. Injuries challenge them. Martin Ødegaard sits out with a shoulder injury. Arteta says, “We monitor his progress.”
Hopes rise for his return. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are getting over their knee problems, and Saliba is back to shore up the defense, as Arsenal’s youthful squad thrives.
Substitutes Seal the Win
Bilbao press hard early. Their crowd roars. Arsenal keep 57.1% possession, per their recent form. Gyökeres takes a knock but plays on. No court hearing delays him, despite reports of a February 2026 issue. Arteta calls on substitutes. Martinelli scores 36 seconds after entering. Trossard assists. Then Trossard nets, with Martinelli’s help. Arsenal secure a clean sheet. Bilbao’s attacks falter. Madueke and Eze shine. Rice protects well.
Road Ahead for Arsenal
The possession game of Arteta has come out on top. Bilbao’s pressing was not effective. Martinelli pace as well as Trossard’s goal made the difference. The Arsenal depth made a great impression. They achieve their 6th consecutive victory against Spanish teams. Ødegaard is looking forward to the City game. Gyökeres is still very important. This win raises the spirits of the team.
Author’s Note
In this Arsenal and Bilbao Predicted Lineup narrative, Arsenal’s victory with a two-goal margin over Bilbao thrilled the crowd. Martinelli and Trossard came up with the goods. Depth, nonetheless, illuminated even with injuries. Gyökeres does not give in. Arteta’s strategy triumphs. Supporters fantasize about success. This debut lays down a daring mood.
