Arsenal’s Champions League campaign got off to a strong start in Spain this season.
Arsenal’s decisive victory over Athletic Bilbao has made European Cup/Champions League history.
Arsenal defeated Bilbao on Tuesday to start their 2025–26 Champions League campaign.
They won at the Estadio de San Mames thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who came on as replacements in the second half.
After running through on goal and slipping past Unai Simon in the 72nd minute, Martinelli opened the scoring.
Three minutes from time, Trossard squeezed a shot into the net to double his team’s lead.
Arsenal made history in addition to earning three points.
They defeated Spanish clubs six times in a row, making them the first team in European Cup/Champions League history to do so.
Their triumph in Bilbao follows victory over Girona and Real Madrid the previous season, as well as back-to-back triumphs over Sevilla in the 2023–24 campaign.
The Gunners defeated Sevilla both at home and away, including at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, where they won 2-1.
They also defeated Real Madrid 3-0 previous season, continuing their good run against Spanish opponents.
Declan Rice won the match 5-1 overall after scoring two free kicks to remove the La Liga powerhouses from the previous season’s Champions League campaign.
When Arsenal hosts Atletico Madrid on October 21, they have the opportunity to improve their record. Arsenal’s Champions League campaign resumes on October 1 against Olympiacos.
Arsenal’s six straight victories 1-2 over Sevilla (A) of Spain
Sevilla (H): 2-0
Girona (A): 1-2
3-0 Real Madrid (H)
1-2 Real Madrid (A)
Bilbao Athletic (A) – 0-2
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