Arsenal Kicks Off Champions League Campaign With Win Over Athletic Club

‎Arsenal kicked off their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign in style, securing a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at the San Mamés Stadium.

‎A Cagey First Half

‎The clash began with Athletic showing early intent in front of their home crowd. Adama Boiro came closest for the Basque side with a dangerous free-kick, but Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya, returning to his former La Liga home turf, remained untested as the ball was blocked.

‎As the first half progressed, Arsenal grew into the game, with Viktor Gyökeres proving to be their main attacking threat. The Swedish forward forced Unai Simón into a save with a left-footed effort and later headed narrowly wide from a Jurriën Timber delivery.

‎Despite their growing dominance, the Gunners couldn’t find a breakthrough, and the half ended goalless.

‎Arsenal Find Their Rhythm

‎The visitors came out stronger after the interval, continuing to push for the opener. Gyökeres again threatened with a back-post header from a Declan Rice set-piece, while Noni Madueke tested Simón with a cross-come-shot that was parried away.

‎Athletic reminded Arsenal of their quality, with Iñaki Williams forcing Raya into his first save just before the hour mark, though it lacked real venom. At that stage, it felt like one goal could swing the balance either way.

‎Super Subs Deliver the Goods

‎The difference ultimately came from the Arsenal bench. Mikel Arteta’s substitutions paid instant dividends as Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli combined brilliantly within seconds of Martinelli entering the pitch.

‎Trossard’s incisive pass split the defence, and Martinelli raced through to slot coolly under Simón for the opener.

‎Just minutes later, the pair linked up again. This time, Martinelli turned provider, feeding Trossard whose deflected strike found the back of the net to seal a deserved 2-0 victory for the visitors.

‎What the Result Means

‎The result was harsh on Athletic, who have now suffered back-to-back defeats at home, but it emphasizes Arsenal’s growing European maturity.

‎For Arsenal, it’s the perfect start to their Champions League journey and a confidence boost ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City this weekend.