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Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Tuesday evening.
The victory marked a confident opening to their European season.
The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when substitute Gabriel Martinelli raced onto a fine ball from Leandro Trossard and finished calmly.
The Brazilian then turned provider in the 87th minute, returning the favour to Trossard, who doubled the lead with a composed strike.
### Arsenal player ratings
**David Raya – 8/10**
Another clean sheet for the Spaniard. He had little to do but remained alert and commanded his box with authority.
**Jurrien Timber – 8/10**
Strong at right-back with an excellent balance of defensive awareness and attacking support. Rarely put a foot wrong throughout the game.
**Cristhian Mosquera – 8/10**
The young defender continues to shine. His interceptions and composure were crucial in helping Arsenal secure another clean sheet.
**Gabriel Magalhães – 8/10**
Wore the armband and led from the back with confidence. Ensured defensive stability and organisation across the backline.
**Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10**
Assured performance at left-back. Defended well and drifted into midfield when needed to support Arsenal’s passing play.
**Declan Rice – 6/10**
Started slowly and collected a booking but improved in the second half with better control in midfield.
**Martin Zubimendi – 7/10**
Found it difficult to break Bilbao’s midfield lines early on. Grew into the game and became key in linking Arsenal’s attacks.
**Mikel Merino – 6/10**
Struggled to make an impact from midfield and could not replicate his recent strong form.
**Noni Madueke – 7/10**
Showed skill in beating his man but his final decisions let him down. Could have had an assist if not for last-ditch defending.
**Eberechi Eze – 5/10**
Played out wide again rather than centrally. Struggled to influence the game before being replaced by Martinelli.
**Viktor Gyokeres – 5/10**
A frustrating night for the striker. Had half chances but lacked service and was taken off just after the hour mark.
### Substitutes
**Leandro Trossard – 8/10**
Superb impact from the bench. Set up Martinelli with a clever flick and scored the second goal himself late on.
**Gabriel Martinelli – 9/10**
Changed the game after coming on. Scored the opener with pace and composure before assisting Trossard for the second.
**Christian Norgaard – N/A**
Introduced late with the game already won.
**Piero Hincapie – N/A**
No time to make any significant impact.
Arsenal’s patience and quality in the final third proved decisive. The Gunners now carry early momentum in their Champions League journey.