Arsenal kick off their 2025/26 Champions League campaign on Tuesday night with a trip to Spain to face Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, the very first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, the mission is clear: build on the impressive progress of the past two years in Europe and finally take that next step towards glory. The Gunners reached the quarter-finals in 2024 and the semi-finals in 2025, and with a summer spending spree north of £250m, expectations are sky-high.
Arsenal form heading into Athletic Bilbao game
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Arsenal head into this game off the back of a 3-0 dismantling of Nottingham Forest, despite missing key figures like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard. Martin Zubimendi ran the show with a brace, while Viktor Gyökeres made it three goals in four games.
There’s also added European history on the line, should Arsenal win, they’ll become the first side ever to beat Spanish opposition six times in a row in the European Cup/Champions League, having already seen off Real Madrid (twice), Sevilla (twice) and Girona since 2023.
Athletic Bilbao form before hosting Arsenal for Champions League
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Athletic earned their place in the competition after finishing fourth in La Liga last season, an incredible achievement under Ernesto Valverde. They’ve started their domestic campaign well, with three wins from four, although a shock defeat at home to Alavés before the break has dented momentum.
Crucially, they’ll be without Nico Williams, their explosive winger and one-time Arsenal target, who is sidelined with injury. Aymeric Laporte, meanwhile, was left out of their Champions League squad.
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal – Team news
Arsenal
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Ødegaard (shoulder) is a major doubt, as are Saliba and Christian Nørgaard. Saka, Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined. Expect rotations, with Arteta mindful of the looming clash against Manchester City at the weekend.
Athletic Bilbao
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Nico Williams is unavailable, as are Benat Prados and Unai Egiluz. Yeray Álvarez remains banned. Inaki Williams leads the attack, supported by Oihan Sancet and Alex Berenguer.
Predicted lineups
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Vesga, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Prediction
Even without Ødegaard and Saka, Arsenal’s squad depth and attacking quality look too much for an Athletic side missing their main outlet. Expect the Gunners to control possession, dominate transitions, and continue their upward trajectory in Europe.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
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