Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Athletic Bilbao v Arsenal - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - September 16, 2025 Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal's Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's Christian Norgaard and Arsenal's Mikel Merino celebrate after the match REUTERS/Albert Gea
Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday. Gabriel Martinelli made an immediate impact after coming off the bench to score the first goal, while fellow substitute Leandro Trossard added the second.
Martinelli replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute, and despite Arsenal creating numerous chances, they struggled to find the net until Martinelli’s impressive solo goal just a minute after entering the game.
The Brazilian forward was sent racing through on goal after a flicked pass from Trossard. The two combined again three minutes before the end of the match, with Martinelli pulling the ball back from the byline for Trossard to finish.
Arsenal, who were eliminated in the semi-final stage last season by the eventual winners, Paris Saint-Germain, were the stronger side throughout the match. However, they struggled to capitalize on their chances against an Athletic team supported by a lively San Mamés stadium, until the substitutes came on.
