Arsenal Secures Dominant 2-0 Victory Over Athletic Club in Champions League Opener

Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a convincing 2-0 win against Athletic Club at San Mamés Stadium tonight. The match, played under the newly expanded 36-team format, showcased Arsenal’s tactical prowess and depth, with substitutes proving decisive.

The Gunners dominated possession early, but it was in the second half that the game turned. Gabriel Martinelli, introduced in the 65th minute, broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a clinical finish, assisted by Leandro Trossard. Trossard then sealed the victory in the 87th minute, capitalizing on Martinelli’s incisive play. The Brazilian forward’s pace and Trossard’s composure highlighted Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s strategy of leveraging bench strength, a trend gaining traction in European football.

Athletic Club, known for their resilient home form, struggled to penetrate Arsenal’s disciplined defense, led by standout performer Riccardo Calafiori, who recorded six ball recoveries and three successful tackles. The victory marks a strong start for Arsenal in a competitive season, following Paris Saint-Germain’s triumph in the 2025 final. With the expanded format offering more matchups, Arsenal’s early success signals their intent to challenge the continent’s elite.