Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory away at Athletic Bilbao, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli delivering an instant impact to tilt the match in their favour.
The visitors were without several key players and struggled to break through Bilbao’s stubborn resistance for much of the contest. In a stadium renowned for intensity and home advantage, Arsenal’s patience was tested as they searched for a breakthrough.
The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute when Martinelli, introduced from the bench, took just 36 seconds to leave his mark. Latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from fellow substitute Leandro Trossard, the Brazilian raced behind the Bilbao defence and coolly slipped the ball under Unai Simón to hand Arsenal the lead.
Martinelli wasn’t done. In the closing stages, he turned provider, feeding Trossard inside the area. The Belgian attacker made no mistake, lifting his finish into the net to seal the win and ensure Arsenal started their European campaign in perfect fashion.
For large stretches of the match, Arsenal had dominated possession without creating clear chances. Noni Madueke was lively down the right flank, repeatedly testing Bilbao’s back line, while Viktor Gyökeres missed two decent opportunities in the first half. Bilbao, true to their competitive spirit, created chances of their own through Mikel Jauregizar, Alejandro Berenguer and Iñaki Williams, but were denied by strong defending and sharp goalkeeping.
The turning point came with the introduction of Arsenal’s substitutes, underlining manager Mikel Arteta’s emphasis on strength in depth. Last season, Arsenal’s European ambitions were curtailed by a lack of rotation options. This season, the bench proved decisive from the very first match.
The win not only gave Arsenal three crucial points but also sent a message about their aspirations in Europe. Against a spirited opponent and in a hostile environment, they showcased resilience, squad depth, and clinical finishing when it mattered most.
With Martinelli and Trossard stepping up as “impactors,” Arsenal’s campaign is off to the start they hoped for. The challenge now will be maintaining momentum as they aim for a deep run in the competition.
