Arsenal secured a victory against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in the Champions League opener, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring late goals off the bench.
In terms of team news, Bilbao were missing key players due to injuries and suspensions, while Arsenal had several players sidelined as well. The match saw David Raya in goal for Arsenal, with a reshuffled defense and midfield lineup.
The game was a tight affair, with Bilbao putting up a strong fight and making life difficult for Arsenal. The first half saw few chances for either side, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock.
However, Arsenal’s substitutions proved crucial, with Trossard and Martinelli making an immediate impact. Martinelli scored within a minute of coming on, before setting up Trossard for the second goal to seal the win.
The introduction of the substitutes changed the game for Arsenal, providing fresh energy and attacking threat. Bilbao showed resilience but ultimately couldn’t hold off Arsenal’s late surge.
Overall, the match highlighted Arsenal’s squad depth and ability to grind out results in tough away games. The Gunners’ defensive discipline and patience paid off, showing their evolution into a competitive European side.
