Arsenal started their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao on Tuesday night.
Gabriel Martinelli made an instant impact, scoring just 36 seconds after coming off the bench. Leandro Trossard later added a second goal to secure the victory for the Gunners.
Athletic Club began the match brightly, with Adama Boiro seeing his free-kick blocked, but they failed to create any real danger for Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners grew stronger as the first half went on. Viktor Gyökeres had two chances, forcing a save from Unai Simón and heading wide from Jurriën Timber’s cross. Despite their pressure, the match remained goalless at half-time.
After the break, Arsenal continued to push forward. Gyökeres headed Declan Rice’s free-kick wide, while Noni Madueke’s cross-shot was saved by Simón.
The breakthrough came when Martinelli struck soon after coming on, before Trossard sealed the win, giving Arsenal the perfect start to their Champions League quest.
OTHER RESULTS
Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
Benfica 2-3 Qarabag
Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund
PSV 1-3 Union St Gilloloise
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal