Arsenal got their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign off to a winning start with a gritty, hard-earned 2–0 victory against Athletic Club at the formidable San Mamés. It was a night that demanded resilience more than flair, and Mikel Arteta’s side delivered precisely that. In a stadium renowned for its intensity and a crowd that rarely relents, Arsenal weathered the storm, absorbed the pressure, and ultimately found the decisive moments through two second-half substitutes. Gabriel Martinelli, on the pitch for barely half a minute, made an instant impact by racing through to open the scoring with a composed finish. Minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Leandro Trossard for the second goal that sealed the result. It was a performance that, while lacking in aesthetic brilliance, underscored the maturity and tactical evolution of Arteta’s Arsenal—a side increasingly adept at winning ugly when required.
The match began with Athletic Club asserting themselves in precisely the manner their fervent supporters would have hoped. Ernesto Valverde’s men came out with aggression, pressing high and forcing Arsenal into uncomfortable areas. The Basque side’s energy was palpable, and their tactical setup—compact in midfield but expansive in the wide areas—allowed them to exploit spaces around Arsenal’s defensive third. Within the first 20 minutes, Athletic had managed 10 touches inside Arsenal’s penalty area, a stark contrast to the Gunners’ defensive dominance in their recent 5–0 dismantling of Leeds United. That early pressure was not just statistical; it was psychological. Arsenal looked rattled, their passing sequences disjointed, and their rhythm disrupted by Athletic’s relentless pressing. Arteta, animated on the touchline, could be seen urging his players to calm down and recycle possession more effectively, but the sloppiness persisted.
Arsenal’s midfield trio—Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Jorginho—struggled to impose themselves in the opening half. Rice, typically a commanding presence, found himself bypassed by Athletic’s vertical transitions, while Ødegaard’s usual creativity was stifled by the close marking of Dani García. Jorginho, deployed as the deepest midfielder, was often forced into hurried clearances rather than orchestrating play. The lack of fluency in Arsenal’s build-up was compounded by their inability to progress the ball through the middle, forcing them to rely on wide outlets. It was in this context that Viktor Gyökeres emerged as a vital figure. The Swedish forward, operating primarily down the left channel, offered tireless running and intelligent movement that stretched the pitch and gave Arsenal a much-needed outlet. His ability to hold up play and draw fouls relieved pressure and allowed the visitors to regroup.
Despite Athletic’s dominance in territory and possession, clear-cut chances were few and far between. The best opportunity of the half fell to Alex Berenguer, who timed his run perfectly to latch onto a through ball and break behind Arsenal’s defensive line. However, his finish lacked conviction, dragging the shot across David Raya’s goal and letting Arsenal off the hook. Raya, deputising for Aaron Ramsdale in European competition, remained composed throughout, commanding his area and distributing with precision when called upon. The first half ended goalless, but the narrative was clear: Arsenal were second-best in most departments, and Arteta needed to find a solution.
The second half began with a slight shift in momentum. Arsenal emerged with more purpose, and Gyökeres continued to be their most threatening outlet. Early on, he peeled away at the far post to meet a Declan Rice corner, nodding just wide in what was Arsenal’s first real sight of goal. Alongside Noni Madueke, who operated on the opposite flank, Gyökeres carried the attacking burden for long spells. The duo combined for each of Arsenal’s first seven shots, often creating chances through sheer persistence rather than intricate build-up. Madueke’s directness and willingness to take on defenders added a new dimension, but it was clear that Arsenal needed more incision in the final third.
Arteta’s decision to introduce Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard proved decisive. The Brazilian, who has found himself relegated to the bench following the arrival of Eberechi Eze, wasted no time in making his presence felt. Just 36 seconds after entering the fray, Martinelli latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Trossard, exploiting the space behind Athletic’s high defensive line. His finish was clinical, sliding the ball beneath Unai Simón with the composure of a player determined to reclaim his starting berth. It was the fastest goal ever scored by an Arsenal substitute in UEFA Champions League history—a statistic that not only highlighted Martinelli’s impact but also the strategic timing of Arteta’s substitutions.
The goal shifted the dynamic of the match entirely. Athletic, previously buoyed by their dominance, were suddenly chasing the game. Their pressing became more frantic, and gaps began to appear in midfield. Arsenal, sensing vulnerability, struck again. Martinelli, full of confidence, burst down the left flank and delivered a cut-back into the path of Trossard. The Belgian’s strike took a deflection off Yeray Álvarez, looping over Simón and nestling into the net. It was a goal that encapsulated Arsenal’s opportunism—clinical, efficient, and born from a moment of transition. Trossard, often used as a rotational option, continues to deliver in key moments, reinforcing the depth and versatility of Arteta’s squad.
Defensively, Arsenal were once again exemplary. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães formed a resolute partnership at the heart of defence, repelling crosses and winning aerial duels with authority. Ben White, deployed at right-back, was disciplined in his positioning, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, on the left, balanced his defensive duties with occasional forays forward. The midfield shield provided by Rice and Jorginho ensured that Athletic’s attempts to play through the centre were largely ineffective. It is this defensive solidity that has become a hallmark of Arteta’s tenure in European competition. Arsenal have now conceded just 18 goals in 25 Champions League matches under his guidance—a remarkable record that places them among the elite.
Indeed, when comparing defensive records across Champions League history, Arsenal’s current run under Arteta stands out. Among managers with 20 or more games in the competition, only four sides boast a better goals-conceded-per-game average than Arsenal’s 0.72: Fabio Capello’s Milan (0.38), Louis van Gaal’s Ajax (0.63), Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona (0.68), and Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona (0.71). These are teams that defined eras with their tactical discipline and defensive mastery, and Arsenal’s inclusion in such company speaks volumes about their evolution. Arteta, once criticised for his conservative approach, has built a side that marries structure with moments of attacking brilliance—a formula that is proving increasingly effective in knockout football.
Beyond the tactical and statistical dimensions, this victory carried symbolic weight. San Mamés is not an easy place to win, and Athletic Club, with their proud history and unique identity, rarely concede without a fight. For Arsenal to not only win but to do so with a clean sheet and two goals from substitutes reflects the depth and resilience of the squad. It also marked a historic milestone: Arsenal became the first team in European Cup/Champions League history to record six consecutive victories against Spanish opposition. In a competition where Spanish clubs have long dominated, this streak is a testament to Arsenal’s growing stature and their ability to adapt to different styles and environments.
The win also served as a timely confidence boost ahead of a crucial domestic fixture. Arsenal now turn their attention to Manchester City, a match that could have significant implications for the Premier League title race. City, under Pep Guardiola, remain the benchmark in English football, and Arteta—his former assistant—will be keen to prove that his side can compete at the highest level across multiple fronts. The tactical battle between the two Spaniards has become one of the most compelling narratives in modern football, and Arsenal’s European form adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash.
In the broader context of the Champions League campaign, this result positions Arsenal favourably in their group. With fixtures against RB Salzburg and Club Brugge to come, the Gunners have a real opportunity to build momentum and secure early qualification for the knockout stages. The depth of the squad, as evidenced by the contributions of Martinelli and Trossard, will be crucial in navigating the congested fixture list. Moreover, the emergence of players like Gyökeres and Madueke as reliable attacking options gives Arteta flexibility in rotation without compromising quality.
Ultimately, this was a night that encapsulated the essence of modern Arsenal under Arteta: tactically astute, defensively robust, and capable of finding decisive moments even when not at their best. It was not a performance that will be remembered for its beauty, but it will be remembered for its significance. In the cauldron of San Mamés, Arsenal stood firm, took their chances, and walked away with three points that could prove vital in their pursuit of European glory. For a club that has long sought to re-establish itself among the continent’s elite, this was another step forward—quiet, calculated, and undeniably effective.
