Martinelli’s lightning impact seals Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao
16/09/2025
By RSR Málaga – 16 September 2025
Arsenal kicked off their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a sharp 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. The Gunners looked in control but struggled to break down Bilbao until the bench delivered the breakthrough.
Gabriel Martinelli was introduced in the 71st minute, and 36 seconds later he scored the opener following a flick from Leandro Trossard. The Brazilian winger raced behind the Bilbao defence and calmly placed the ball under goalkeeper Unai Simón.
In the 87th minute, Martinelli turned provider: cutting in from the byline, he pulled the ball back to Trossard, who made no mistake.Arsenal’s substitutes proved decisive once again.