Arsenal kicked off their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio de San Mames on Tuesday.
MORE — Manchester derby player ratings | Winners and losers
Gabriel Martinelli may have lost his place in the the first XI when Eberechi Eze arrived back at Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian provided just the spark that Mikel Arteta’s side needed in Bilbao. Martinelli walked onto the field in the 71st minute and had the ball in the back of the net with 71:11 on the clock. Leandro Trossard booted a bouncing ball over the top of Bilbao’s defense for Martinelli to chase down with just one defender to beat — perhaps the perfect role for a player who often frustrated and fell short of requirements over 90 minutes, but could be a lightning rod off the bench.
The same can be said for Trossard, who also came on as a sub and scored the second goal (assisted by Martinelli, no less). Again, it was Martinelli’s pace and dribbling that opened things up for Arsenal as he raced to the end line and cut back a low pass to Trossard near the top of the six-yard box. Trossard needed loads of time to control the ball and turn toward goal (as well as a deflection) but the football gods delivered all of the above, and a two-goal victory for the Gunners.
What’s next?
- Arsenal vs Manchester City — Sunday, 11:30 am ET
- Arsenal vs Olympiacos — Wednesday, Oct. 1, 3 pm ET (next UCL fixture)
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live updates - by Andy Edwards
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal final score: 0-2
Goalscorers: Gabriel Martinelli (72'), Leandro Trossard (87')
GOAL! Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal: Trossard’s shot takes a deflection and find its way in (87')
Gabriel Martinelli ➡️ Leandro Trossard
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 16, 2025
Mikel Arteta's super subs combine again for Arsenal's second goal 🧠 pic.twitter.com/ecZICxo6cT
GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Arsenal: Martinelli outruns everyone seconds after coming on (72')
Gabriel Martinelli scores 36 seconds after coming on for Arsenal ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/cuuAcT7sJA
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 16, 2025
Athletic Bilbao starting lineup
Simon - Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro - Vesga, Jauregizar, Sancet - Berenguer, Navarro, I. Williams
Arsenal starting lineup
Raya - Timber, Gabriel, Mosquera, Calafiori - Zubimendi, Rice, Merino - Madueke, Eze, Gyokeres
How to watch Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 12:45pm ET Tuesday
Venue: Estadio de San Mamés — Bilbao, Basque County
TV Channel/Streaming: Paramount Plus
The early kickoff will test Arsenal, who have been so strong this young season. The Gunners have allowed just one goal, which came in their 1-0 loss at Liverpool. They’ve blanked Man United, Leeds, and Nottingham Forest while ringing up 10 goals. Mikel Arteta is without Bukayo Saka and waiting on a fitness check of Martin Odegaard, who aggravated a shoulder injury in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. He was able to rest Declan Rice for most of that game and did not rush Ben White back, either. Piero Hincapie could make his debut. Arsenal have a big scrap with Man City at the weekend, and could go less-than-full strength in Spain.
The sides met in preseason, with Arsenal beating Bilbao 3-0 behind goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Saka, and Havertz.
Bilbao are coming off their first La Liga loss of the season following a 3-0-0 start, and they are without star striker Nico Williams. The 23-year-old is a huge miss, having scored a goal and two assists in the side’s unbeaten start. The Basque club have just signed former star Aymeric Laporte back after a run with Al-Nassr. Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is having a terrific start to the season as is new signing Jesus Areso, while goalkeeper Unai Simon is Spain’s captain and No. 1, capable of keeping anyone in a game.
Athletic Bilbao team news, focus
OUT: Nico Williams (muscular), Benat Prados (knee), Unai Eguiluz (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Inigo Lekue (thigh)
Arsenal team news, focus
OUT: Bukayo Saka (hamstring - MORE), Kai Havertz (knee - MORE), Gabriel Jesus (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: William Saliba (ankle - MORE), Christian Norgaard (undisclosed), Martin Odegaard (shoulder)
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal prediction
Arsenal are favorites to get a win away from home, but this will be tighter than some expect for the Gunners. The travel will help level terms between the two and Arteta may alter his player usage with the Man City game ahead at the weekend. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if Unai Simon and his back line do enough to get a point... but we’ll shade Arsenal. Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Arsenal
