Arsenal recorded a cagey, yet disciplined 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club. An electric atmosphere at the Estadio de San Mames saw Arsenal eventually dominate possession in the first half. The passion of the home fans seemed to impact the play, which was mostly scrappy. Arsenal did have a great opportunity to take the lead. More good wing play by Noni Madueke created an opportunity for Ebererchi Eze. Just as the new recruit was about to tap it in, Athletic Club right-back Andoni Gorosabel appeared from nowhere to nick the ball away. Viktor Gyokeres then went close for the Gunners with a diving header.
After the break, Arsenal continued to have lots of the ball. However, Athletic Club remained resolute, getting men behind the ball to blunt the Gunners' attack. Just as the game looked to be heading into frustrating territory for Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli gave them the lead. He'd been on the field less than a minute, having replaced Eze, when he broke from the half-way line. Showing pace and strength, he got to the penalty area before side-footing home. Athletic Club worked hard to try and get back into the game to no avail. Instead, the Gunners doubled their lead with a deflected effort from Leandro Trossard.
Bilbao v Arsenal - Match Statistics
Bilbao
39%
11
2
2
4
1
Match Highlights
Athletic Club Bilbao Player Ratings
MixCollage-16-Sep-2025-06-36-PM-8238GK: Unai Simon - 6/10
He may have hoped to have done better with the strike Gabriel Martinelli hit to put Arsenal one up.
RB: Andoni Gorosabel - 5.5/10
Made a fantastic challenge to deny Eze what seemed a certain goal, but was also guilty of unsavoury diving to try and get Declan Rice sent off.
CB: Dani Vivian - 7/10
Was present and aware to mop up and intercept when necessary at the back for Athletic Club.
CB: Aitor Paredes - 6.5/10
Was not afraid of the physical encounter with Gyokeres, which at times was more interesting than the game itself.
LB: Adama Boiro - 6/10
At times, he struggled playing against Madueke's pace and purpose.
DM: Mikel Jauregizar - 6/10
Like all his teammates, he worked diligently with and without the ball.
DM: Mikel Vesga - 6.5/10
Always ready to spring into action to close down an opponent.
RW: Alex Berengue - 6/10
His work rate could not be faulted, but wasn't really able to impact the game enough going forward.
AM: Oihan Sancet - 6/10
More than prepared to do his share of the hurrying and chasing as Arsenal continued to keep the ball.
LW: Roberto Navarro - 6.5/10
Was given a good send off when he was substituted with 30 minutes left. Worked hard to keep his side in it.
CF: Inaki Williams - 6.5/10
Looked to get on the front foot in what was at times a cagey encounter. Turned Gabriel on one occasion, but couldn't beat Raya.
SUB: Unai Gomez - 5/10
Brought off only 20 minutes after coming on with a knock.
SUB: Gorka Guruzeta - 5/10
On for the last 20 minutes when the Basque side tried to force an equaliser, but it was beyond Guruzeta and his side.
SUB: Yuri - 5/10
Not able to truly influence the game.
SUB: Nico Serrano - 5/10
Given a cameo performance that was not long enough to create any impact.
SUB: Alejandro Rego - 5/10
Struggled to help his team as Arsenal looked to run down the clock.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Noni Madueke
GK: David Raya - 6.5/10
Had to remain focus with the Gunners having the vast majority of the ball.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori - 6.5/10
Kept things ticking over for the Gunners as they worked patiently to break the deadlock.
CB: Gabriel - 7/10
Used his experience to manage the atmosphere and guide Mosquera.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera - 6.5/10
Another game to add his confidence, although Arsenal had little defending to do as the game progressed, but very much looks an Arsenal player..
RB: Jurrien Timber - 6.5/10
In a tight game he still managed to get forward and provided crosses into the box.
LM: Declan Rice - 6.5/10
Went into the referee's book fairly early, but remained a threat for Arsenal with his set pieces.
CM: Martin Zubimendi - 6.5/10
As comfortable on the ball as ever, but all too often unable to penetrate the Bilbao defence.
RM: Mikel Merino - 6.5/10
Used all his experience to buy Arsenal time in the first-half and try and quieten down the home crowd.
LW: Eberechi Eze - 5.5/10
He would have been disappointed not to have given the Gunners a first-half lead, but had the ball nicked off his toe. A quiet night for him.
CF: Viktor Gyokeres - 6.5/10
Blood was trickling down his face in the first-half, which required a bandage.
RW: Noni Madueke - 7/10
Continued to show some good and purposeful play on the wing.
SUB: Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10
Brought on to replace Gyokeres and was on hand to put the game to bed with a deflected effort.
SUB: Gabriel Martinelli - 7.5/10 - MOTM
Emphatic finish to put the Gunners one up having only come on to the field of play seconds earlier. Also got an assist.
SUB: Piero Hincapie - N/A
Very late run out.
SUB: Christian Norgaard - N/A
Very late run out.