Viktor Gyokeres ended a nine-game goal drought with a brace in Arsenal’s dominant 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The win, which extended the Gunners’ perfect start to the competition, came in a dramatic 13-minute spell during the second half on October 21, 2025. Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli had already put Arsenal in control, before Gyokeres sealed the win with his goals, leaving Atletico Madrid reeling.
Arsenal’s performance was impressive, as they continue to lead both the Premier League and the Champions League with a perfect record after three games. Alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, Arsenal are one of the only teams with a perfect nine points. The victory also kept their defensive record intact, with only three goals conceded in 12 matches across all competitions this season.
Gyokeres, signed from Sporting Lisbon to solve Arsenal’s striker woes, had struggled for goals until this match, scoring only three in 11 appearances before his brace. However, his performance against Atletico was a sign of things to come. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, expressed his satisfaction with Gyokeres’ performance, noting that it could be the start of a productive run for the Swedish forward.
The match unfolded in a familiar pattern, with Atletico Madrid putting up a solid challenge in the first hour. Julian Alvarez had a couple of chances to put the visitors ahead but failed to capitalize on mistakes from Arsenal’s defense. Arsenal’s dominance came after they broke the deadlock through a set-piece. Declan Rice delivered a perfect free-kick for Gabriel to head home. Shortly after, Martinelli added another with a curling shot from the edge of the box.
Gyokeres’ first goal came with a bit of fortune when his shot from close range deflected off Atletico’s David Hancko and wrong-footed Jan Oblak. His second was much simpler, as he bundled home a header from a Rice corner, securing the three points for Arsenal.
The victory leaves Arsenal in a strong position to challenge for the Champions League title, with Arteta’s squad looking even more formidable after a productive summer transfer window. Last season, they made it to the semi-finals for the first time in over a decade, and this season they aim to go even further, with Gyokeres now finding his form at the right time.