Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Arsenal started their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club at San Mamés Stadium.
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, beat a Athletic Club side back in the competition after 11 years. Athletic Club, coached by Ernesto Valverde, showed fight but are winless in their last five games across all competitions.
Goals
The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute when Gabriel Martinelli, 36 seconds after coming on, latched onto a long pass from Leandro Trossard and beat Unai Simón.
In the 87th minute Martinelli turned provider, cutting back for Leandro Trossard to score a deflected shot, 2-0. Athletic Club’s best chance was Oihan Sancet’s header, while Viktor Gyökeres tested Simón for Arsenal.
Player of the Match
Gabriel Martinelli was Player of the Match for his impact off the bench, scoring and assisting in a game changing cameo. His pace and composure were the difference, Arteta praised him for sparking Arsenal’s breakthrough.
Match Highlights
Athletic Club pressed high early, Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet had chances but lacked precision. Arsenal, with Declan Rice back in, grew stronger after half time.
Mikel Arteta’s subs, Martinelli and Trossard, were key, while David Raya kept a clean sheet. Athletic Club’s absentees, Nico Williams, hurt their attack and Ernesto Valverde’s side couldn’t capitalise on 18 shots. This win sets Arsenal up well for their next European game, Athletic Club will look to regroup against Anderlecht.
