Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal: Subs Martinelli, Trossard Help Gunners Open Champions League Campaign With Win

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to fire Arsenal to a 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create clear chances for much of the game, but Martinelli latched onto a Trossard through ball just 36 seconds after entering to open the scoring, before setting up the Belgian to seal the victory with a deflected strike. Athletic were combative throughout, making life difficult for Arsenal, who relied on a solid defensive display and the cutting edge of their substitutes to secure a perfect start to their European campaign. The win highlighted Arsenal’s squad depth, giving Arteta plenty of options to test opponents ahead of their next big clash with Manchester City.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 17 September 2025 11:15 am

UEFA Champions League: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao

UEFA Champions League: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Athletic Bilbao players stand in front of their fans after the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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UEFA Champions League: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal

UEFA Champions League: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal players applaud their fans after the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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Champions League 2025-26: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao

Champions League 2025-26: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal's William Saliba, right, and Athletic Bilbao's Andoni Gorosabel, second right, jump for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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Champions League 2025-26: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal

Champions League 2025-26: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard reacts after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao

UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal

UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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Champions League Soccer Match: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao

Champions League Soccer Match: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal's Mikel Merino heads the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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Champions League Soccer Match: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal

Champions League Soccer Match: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Arsenal's Noni Madueke makes an attempt to score during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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Spain Soccer Champions League: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao

Spain Soccer Champions League: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Athletic Bilbao's Andoni Gorosabel, left, stops Arsenal's Eberechi Eze during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

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Spain Soccer Champions League: Athletic Bilbao Vs Arsenal

Spain Soccer Champions League: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

Athletic Bilbao's Daniel Vivian, background, defends against Arsenal's Viktor Gyoekeres during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain.