Arsenal’s substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard made the difference on Tuesday night, striking in the closing stages to seal a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League opener.
The Gunners, who reached last season’s semi-finals, began their group stage campaign with a hard-fought win at San Mamés Stadium, securing three points in their first of eight fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s men, eager to end a five-year wait for major silverware and earn their first-ever Champions League triumph, relied on defensive discipline before breaking through with decisive late goals.
Martinelli opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, just 36 seconds after replacing Eberechi Eze, latching onto Trossard’s pass and finishing neatly. The Brazilian returned the favor in the 87th minute, cutting back for Trossard, whose strike deflected past Unai Simón to double the advantage.
Athletic Bilbao, back in the competition after 11 years, started brightly as their young side, fielding eleven Champions League debutants under coach Ernesto Valverde, fed off the energy of their home supporters. Inaki Williams led the line, though his younger brother Nico was sidelined by injury.
Arsenal, lining up with four Spaniards including Basque midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, gradually imposed themselves. Viktor Gyökeres troubled the hosts’ defense with his movement, forcing saves from Simón and heading wide from Jurrien Timber’s cross.
Athletic threatened when Alejandro Berenguer shot narrowly wide before halftime, while Williams tested goalkeeper David Raya in the second half. At the other end, Merino’s header was comfortably held by Simón.
Arteta’s tactical changes proved crucial. Martinelli, fresh from the bench, immediately punished Bilbao with a blistering run and clinical finish. Minutes later, he turned provider for Trossard’s late goal, cementing Arsenal’s win.
The Gunners’ summer reinforcements, especially in attack, showed their value. Arteta also handed Champions League debuts to Christian Nørgaard and Piero Hincapié, further underlining the squad depth that could be decisive in their European push.
What you should know
Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao highlights the impact of Arteta’s summer squad strengthening, with substitutes Martinelli and Trossard delivering decisive contributions.
Bilbao, fielding a young debutant squad, impressed early but faded as Arsenal’s experience and depth told. The Gunners, seeking their first Champions League trophy, opened their campaign with confidence and resilience.
