Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their opening 2025/26 Champions League match. Gabriel Martinelli delivered a Man of the Match performance off the bench. The Brazilian winger scored one goal and assisted another in the match at San Mamés Stadium. Mikel Arteta praised the team’s character after the victory.
Gabriel Martinelli shines in Champions League victory
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Gabriel Martinelli made his feelings clear after his game-changing performance against Athletic Bilbao. Introduced in the 71st minute, the Brazilian wasted no time, finding the net just 36 seconds later. He then turned provider, setting up Leandro Leandro Trossard for Arsenal’s second goal. As a result, Martinelli’s impact earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bilbao started the match with high energy, fueled by their home crowd. Arsenal had to work hard defensively, although David Raya was not severely tested. The Gunners found it difficult to create clear-cut chances in the first half. However, summer signing Viktor Gyokeres came close with a header that went just wide.
Arsenal’s substitutes make the difference
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The game changed when Mikel Arteta made his first substitution. Gabriel Martinelli replaced Eberechi Eze and immediately made an impact. He latched onto a flicked pass from Leandro Leandro Trossard and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Unai Simón. This goal marked the fastest goal ever scored by an Arsenal substitute in the Champions League.
Sixteen minutes later, Martinelli and Leandro Trossard combined again. Martinelli cut in from the left and passed to Leandro Trossard. Leandro Trossard’s shot then deflected off Dani Vivian and into the net, sealing the victory for Arsenal. The chemistry between the substitutes highlighted Arsenal’s squad depth.
Mikel Arteta praises team’s character
“I was sure Gabby would react like that,” Mikel Arteta said after the match. “He’s constantly willing to learn, he’s very demanding with himself, and he proved again what he can do. The whole team showed character in a difficult place to play.”
Martinelli expressed his pride in his contribution. “I’m really happy with the result, the goal, and the assist,” he said. “It’s very difficult to win here, but we showed character and quality.”
The win also carried historic significance for Arsenal. They became the first team to win six consecutive matches against Spanish opposition in the European Cup/Champions League. Athletic Bilbao joins a list that includes Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Girona.
For Athletic Bilbao, it was a disappointing return to the Champions League after ten years. Manager Ernesto Valverde praised his players’ effort. However, he admitted that they struggled to handle Arsenal’s clinical finishing in the second half.
The result positions Arsenal favorably for their upcoming matches. Their next challenge is a Premier League clash against Manchester City. With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Leandro Trossard performing well, Mikel Arteta faces a selection dilemma.
Related Items:Athletic Bilbao, Dani Vivian, Eberechi Eze, Ernesto Valverde, Girona, Latest David Raya News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update, Latest Gabriel Martinelli News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update, Latest Leandro Trossard News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update, Latest Mikel Arteta News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Viktor Gyokeres
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