Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came on to help Premier League side, Arsenal, clinch a 2-0 Uefa Champions League 2025/26 victory over Spanish La Liga side, Athletic Club, in Bilbao on Tuesday 16 September, 2025.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fought really hard to create clear chances for much of the showdown, however, once summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze departed, Brazilian forward, Gabriel Martinelli, converted Belgian forward, Leandro Trossard’s assist in the 72nd minute to open the scoring for the visitors.
Martinelli returned the favour by turning provider for Trossard, who added the second very late, in the 87th minute, to seal the victory for Arsenal.
In his post-victory comments, Arsenal manager, Arteta, said: “I looked on the bench, I looked at him [Martinelli], and in his eyes I could see that he was ready, Leo as well.
“I was sure he [Martinelli] was going to react like that.
“That’s the moment that hopefully is going to give him the confidence again to go, because he’s an outstanding player, and I am so happy he decided the game with his two actions.”
The English side, who were ousted in the semi-finals of the competition last season by eventual champions, Paris Saint-Germain, were amazingly strong in defence against an Athletic side, who made their way back in the Champions League for the first time in 11 seasons.
Brazil international, Gabriel Martinelli, for his beautiful contribution to Arsenal victory in Spain, emerged Player Of The Match.
Photo: Arsenal goalscorers, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard | X/Arsenal
