Arsenal started the 2025-26 Champions League season with a strong performance, defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in their first European match. The team’s success came from impressive contributions by substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
In the first half, neither team managed to score. However, Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta made a strategic move in the 71st minute, bringing on Martinelli, Trossard, and Julian Timber. This change paid off quickly, as Martinelli scored Arsenal’s first goal just minutes after entering the game, assisted by Trossard. Trossard then secured the victory with a second goal, assisted by Martinelli in the closing minutes of the match.
This victory will surely boost the confidence of Arsenal, who were eliminated in the semi-finals last season. Their next match is against Olympiacos on October 1.