Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés on September 16, 2025, marking a strong start to their UEFA Champions League campaign. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sealed the win for the Gunners, showcasing their depth and tactical prowess.

Arsenal Triumphs 2-0 Over Athletic Club in Champions League Opener

Match Overview

The game commenced with Athletic Club pressing high, creating early chances. Arsenal struggled to break down the aggressive defense but held firm. In the second half, Mikel Arteta's tactical adjustments and timely substitutions turned the tide in favor of the visitors.

Player Performances

David Raya (Goalkeeper) – 7/10

Raya demonstrated composure under pressure, making crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet. His distribution was precise, aiding in Arsenal's build-up play.

Jurriën Timber (Defender) – 7.5/10

Timber was solid defensively, winning aerial duels and making timely interceptions. His positioning was exemplary, providing stability to the backline.

Cristhian Mosquera (Defender) – 7/10

Mosquera showcased resilience, dealing effectively with Athletic's attacking threats. His clearances were decisive, and he maintained composure throughout the match.

Gabriel Magalhães (Defender) – 7.5/10

Magalhães was a commanding presence in defense, making crucial tackles and clearances. He also contributed to the attack with well-timed forward passes.

Riccardo Calafiori (Left-back) – 6.5/10

Calafiori had a steady performance, providing width on the left flank. While defensively sound, his offensive contributions were limited.

Mikel Merino (Midfielder) – 7/10

Merino was instrumental in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball efficiently. His work rate was commendable.

Martín Zubimendi (Midfielder) – 7.5/10

Zubimendi controlled the tempo of the game, linking defense and attack seamlessly. His vision and passing accuracy were pivotal in maintaining possession.

Declan Rice (Midfielder) – 7.5/10

Rice provided defensive solidity and was a physical presence in midfield. His interceptions and tackles disrupted Athletic's rhythm.

Noni Madueke (Winger) – 6.5/10

Madueke was lively on the right wing, creating space and attempting to beat defenders. However, his final product was lacking on the night.

Eberechi Eze (Attacking Midfielder) – 6.5/10

Eze showed glimpses of creativity but struggled to make a significant impact. His decision-making in the final third was inconsistent.

Viktor Gyökeres (Striker) – 6.5/10

Gyökeres worked tirelessly upfront, pressing defenders and holding up the ball. He had limited opportunities but contributed to the team's pressing game.

Impact Substitutions

Gabriel Martinelli (Substitute) – 9/10

Martinelli's introduction changed the dynamics of the game. Just 36 seconds after coming on, he latched onto a through ball and calmly finished past Unai Simón to open the scoring. His energy and directness were pivotal in breaking the deadlock.

Leandro Trossard (Substitute) – 8/10

Trossard sealed the victory with a composed finish in the 87th minute, assisted by Martinelli. His intelligent movement and link-up play added fluidity to Arsenal's attack.

Key Moments

72' Goal by Gabriel Martinelli: Martinelli capitalized on a defensive lapse, sprinting onto a through ball and finishing with precision to give Arsenal the lead.
87' Goal by Leandro Trossard: Trossard received a pass from Martinelli and, under pressure, managed to score, doubling Arsenal's advantage.
90+1' Substitutions: Arteta introduced Christian Nørgaard and Piero Hincapié to freshen up the midfield and defense, respectively, ensuring the team's control over the game's tempo.

Tactical Analysis

Arsenal's approach was methodical, focusing on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces. The midfield trio of Zubimendi, Rice, and Merino provided a solid foundation, allowing full-backs Calafiori and Timber to support the attack. The pressing game was evident, with Gyökeres leading the line effectively. Arteta's substitutions were timely, introducing fresh legs and tactical variations that proved decisive.

Match Statistics

Possession: Arsenal 58% – Athletic Club 42%
Shots on Target: Arsenal 5 – Athletic Club 3
Corners: Arsenal 4 – Athletic Club 2
Pass Accuracy: Arsenal 85% – Athletic Club 79%
Tackles Won: Arsenal 15 – Athletic Club 12

Final Thoughts

Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in their Champions League opener was a testament to their depth and tactical flexibility. The Gunners demonstrated resilience and quality, with key contributions from substitutes Martinelli and Trossard. This win sets a positive tone for their European campaign, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level.