Arsenal Victory Over Athletic Bilbao: Martinelli and Trossard Secure Impressive Champions League Debut for Gunners
In the heart of Bilbao, Arsenal claimed their first victory in the Champions League season, defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on September 16, 2025.
The game began with Bilbao playing more brightly, but it was Arsenal who took control as the match progressed. Declan Rice, the midfield maestro, registered the most chances created for Arsenal, with three, and was integral in driving the team into the danger areas. He also had the joint-most passes in the final third, with 15, and recorded the most final third entries, 10, of any outfield player.
The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute, marking the start of an exhilarating second half for the Gunners. Arsenal's attacks became more frequent, and their persistence paid off when second-half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard combined to score two goals.
Martinelli, who came on as a substitute, scored just 36 seconds after his introduction, with Trossard's intricate flick setting up the opener. Trossard then assisted Martinelli for the second goal in the 87th minute, with Trossard's strike taking a deflection.
The first half saw Arsenal only managing four shots, but the best opportunity fell to Viktor Gyokeres, whose diving header sailed wide. Despite this, the team maintained their perfect defensive record from open play this season, extending their record to six consecutive wins against Spanish sides in the European Cup/Champions League.
This victory also marked a significant milestone for Arsenal, as they became the first team to claim six consecutive European Cup victories in Spain. Furthermore, the win marks Arsenal's fifth consecutive group stage/league phase match win in the Champions League, a feat they last achieved between December 2004 and November 2005.
Moreover, this is the first time Arsenal substitutes have combined for multiple goals in the same Champions League match, with Martinelli and Trossard scoring the crucial goals for the Gunners.
Declan Rice held his own position as a central midfielder for Arsenal during the match, demonstrating his value to the team in their continental campaign. As Arsenal continues their journey in the Champions League, fans can look forward to more exciting performances from the team.
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