Gabriel Martinelli
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium on Tuesday night, as substitute Gabriel Martinelli delivered a record-breaking performance from the bench.
The Brazilian forward, introduced in the 70th minute, wasted no time making an impact, scoring just 36 seconds after entering the pitch, the fastest substitute goal in Arsenal’s Champions League history. His strike broke the deadlock in what had been a tense encounter, before he turned provider for Leandro Trossard’s late clincher.
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For much of the evening, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to unlock Ernesto Valverde’s well-drilled Basque defence. Summer signing Eberechi Eze started in midfield and Noni Madueke provided flashes of danger on the right flank, but clear chances were scarce in the opening half. Athletic pressed high and restricted Arsenal’s rhythm, while goalkeeper Unai Simón remained largely untested.
36 – Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal just 36 seconds after coming off the bench, the Gunners’ fastest ever substitute goal in the UEFA Champions League. Introduction. pic.twitter.com/VxSDYR9IAj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 16, 2025
The breakthrough came shortly after Arteta turned to his bench. Leandro Trossard, introduced five minutes earlier, lofted a perfectly timed pass over the defence for Martinelli, who raced through and coolly slotted under Simon to ignite the travelling fans. The 24-year-old’s lightning strike not only gave Arsenal the lead but also cemented his reputation as a game-changer on Europe’s biggest stage.
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Seventeen minutes later, the duo combined again to settle the contest. This time Martinelli turned provider, cutting back for Trossard, who lifted the ball into the net to secure Arsenal’s three points and a perfect start in the new league phase.
Arteta hailed his substitutes afterwards, describing them as “impactors” who changed the course of the match. “Sometimes you just need a second to change the history of a football club,” he said, praising the depth and maturity of his squad.
Athletic, who created openings but failed to capitalise, will look to bounce back in their next European outing. For Arsenal, the result marked not only a statement win in Bilbao but also a memorable night that saw Martinelli’s name etched into club history.
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