Arsenal began their Champions League campaign on a winning note with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night, thanks to second-half goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leonardo Trossard.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides engaged in a tactical battle. Arsenal enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but found it difficult to break down Bilbao’s organized and physical defense. The Spanish side, compact in shape, frustrated the Gunners’ attacking rhythm and occasionally threatened on the counter.
After the restart, Mikel Arteta’s men showed greater urgency, and the breakthrough finally came when Martinelli pounced on a defensive lapse to put Arsenal ahead. With momentum on their side, the Gunners doubled the lead minutes later through Trossard, who calmly finished off a sweeping team move.
Bilbao pushed forward in search of a response, but Arsenal’s defense held firm to secure a clean sheet and three crucial points away from home.
The result marks a perfect start for Arsenal in Group Stage action, boosting confidence as they aim for a deep run in this year’s competition.
