Bilbao, Spain — 16 September 2025
In a tightly contested opening match of the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal edged Athletic Club 2-0 at San Mamés, courtesy of second-half substitutions Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The goals came late, but they were enough to seal all three points and signal Arsenal’s strength in squad depth.
Background & Context
This fixture marked the start of both teams’ Group Stage campaigns. Athletic Club, making a return to Champions League action, were looking to build momentum at home. Arsenal, meanwhile, arrived with several key absentees through injury and aimed to set a strong tone under manager Mikel Arteta.
Prior to kickoff, the head-to-head record was limited: this was their first competitive meeting, though they clashed in a friendly earlier in the summer, which Arsenal won 3-0. 365Scores+3FotMob+3Diario AS+3
Lineups & Injuries
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI: Unai Simón; Andoni Gorosabel, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Adama Boiro; Mikel Jauregizar, Mikel Vesga; Alex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, Robert Navarro; Iñaki Williams. FotMob
Unavailable: Unai Egiluz, Benat Prados, Nico Williams due to injury. FotMob
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Starting XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze. FotMob
Missing: Ben White, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. All sidelined. FotMob
Match Progress & Key Moments
The first half was cagey. Athletic Club showed resilience, defending in numbers, while Arsenal probed but lacked the finishing touch. No goals, minimal clear-cut chances.
After the break Arsenal continued to dominate possession but still found it difficult to break Athletic’s organised defence. The breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute when substitute Gabriel Martinelli came on for Eberechi Eze and scored almost immediately: a well-timed flick from Leandro Trossard sent Martinelli racing through to slot the ball home. Reuters+1
The second goal arrived in the 87th minute. This time Martinelli, again from the bench, provided the assist for Trossard, whose shot, after a slight deflection, looped over Athletic’s keeper to double Arsenal’s lead. Reuters
Athletic’s chances remained limited; they pushed forward in desperation towards the end but were thwarted by tight defending and some nervy moments from Arsenal who held on. The Guardian+1
Quotations
“It’s always a test to come here to San Mamés – the crowd, the atmosphere, the intensity,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “But I’m pleased with how the subs responded when the game needed that extra push.” Reuters+1
Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde admitted: “We fought hard, especially in the first 70 minutes, but Arsenal’s experience and bench depth made the difference. We leave disappointed, but there is much to build on.” Cadena SER
What Is Confirmed / What Remains Alleged
Confirmed: Arsenal won 2-0 away at Athletic Club. Martinelli and Trossard scored. Arsenal’s substitutes played a key role. Reuters+1
Injury situation: Several Arsenal regulars were unavailable. Athletic also had injuries. But details on recovery timing remain somewhat speculative. FotMob+1
Conclusion & Next Steps
Arsenal’s victory gives them a strong start in Group Stage, putting pressure on their group rivals. Athletic Club will now aim to regroup as they prepare for upcoming La Liga fixtures. Both teams will also assess injuries — particularly Arsenal checking on their missing key players.
Looking ahead, Athletic Club will need to secure points to stay in contention, especially at home. Arsenal, buoyed by this result, will aim to maintain momentum both domestically and in Europe.
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