Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in their opening Champions League group stage match, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the scoresheet
19:59, 16 Sep 2025
Arsenal
Arsenal were involved in a tough battle against Athletic Club(Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal launched their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought victory against Athletic Club in the teams' first-ever competitive encounter.
[It's the perfect start for the Gunners](http://Arsenal star bloodied after sickening clash of heads during Champions League), who are aiming to surpass their semi-final finish last season. The visitors had to work hard in the first half, as Athletic approached the match with final-like intensity.
The atmosphere at San Mames mirrored the players' energy, and while the Arsenal defence wasn't overly tested, the Gunners' midfield trio was constantly hassled during a scrappy opening 45 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, substitutions were required for the first goal to materialise, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench to set up the opener. The former floated a ball behind the Athletic defence, with Martinelli doing the rest.
The roles were reversed for the second goal, with Martinelli assisting Trossard. Daily Star Sportprovides player ratings from Arsenal's 2-0 triumph in Bilbao.
Declan Rice returned to the starting XI for Arsenal's Champions League opener
Declan Rice returned to the starting XI for Arsenal's Champions League opener(Image: Getty)
David Raya, 6 - He was quick off his line to thwart a rapid Athletic counter attack in the first half, and made a good save to deny an Inaki Williams snap shot in the second. He hasn't conceded from open play all season, reports the Express.
Jurrien Timber, 6 - He kept things moving on the right-hand side and had some nice link-up play with Noni Madueke in front of him.
Cristhian Mosquera, 6 - Impressed in the starting XI at the weekend and seemed equally at ease upon his return to Spain on Tuesday evening.
Gabriel, 7 - Arsenal's defensive stalwart, who has admirably filled the void left by partner William Saliba. He was quick to neutralise any threat whenever the Basque side advanced.
Riccardo Calafiori, 6 - The final piece of a solid Arsenal defence, which has looked formidable during the first five matches this season.
Martin Zubimendi, 6 - He had a challenging task, given the dynamism of the Athletic midfield. While he didn't exactly deliver an outstanding performance, he certainly brought plenty of energy to the centre of the pitch.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli was Arsenal's hero(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Declan Rice, 6 - Began the match slightly below his usual level and was caught out of position a couple of times. However, the England international gradually found his rhythm as the game progressed and delivered a few enticing crosses from set pieces.
Mikel Merino, 6 - Came close to scoring just before Arsenal took the lead with a signature header from inside the box, but his compatriot Simon was up to the task.
Eberechi Eze, 5 - Although he didn't touch the ball, the Englishman witnessed Arsenal's best opportunity of the first half pass by. He was caught flat-footed when a cutback came his way in the area, with an Athletic defender getting to the ball first.
He faded in the second half and was substituted as Arsenal sought a goal.
Viktor Gyokeres, 5 - Suffered a nasty blow to the head in the first half and had to soldier on with a bandage wrapped around his head. Had a half chance saved by Simon in the first half, but was substituted midway through the second half.
Noni Madueke, 5 - Continued his good form from Saturday's impressive performance against Nottingham Forest and has shown himself to be a reliable stand-in for Bukayo Saka during the winger's absence.
Mikel Arteta got his subs correct
Mikel Arteta got his subs correct(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Should have passed to Gyokeres for an easy goal when he chose to shoot instead and appeared to be Arsenal's most threatening player before the substitutions.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Martinelli, 8 - Made an impact less than 40 seconds after coming on. It seemed like he'd missed his chance with a shaky first touch, but the winger recovered brilliantly and kept his nerve in front of goal.
His assist for Trossard was almost as impressive. A much-needed and welcome appearance for the 24 year old.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
Leandro Trossard, 7 - The Arsenal substitutes certainly made their mark, with the Belgian setting up Martinelli's goal. He got a bit lucky with a deflection for his goal, but he was definitely in the right place at the right time.
Christian Norgaard - N/A.
Article continues below
Piero Hincapie - N/A.