Gabriel Martinelli’s Spark Ignites Arsenal’s Champions League Campaign with Victory at Athletic Bilbao

Published: 16 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

In a night where squad depth proved decisive, Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the game-changer for Arsenal, steering the Gunners to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. The Brazilian winger, coming off the bench, embodied manager Mikel Arteta’s philosophy of “impactors,” players capable of altering the course of a match in moments. While the opening goal may not have rewritten club history, it certainly showcased Arsenal’s renewed strength in depth as they embark on their Champions League campaign.

Arsenal approached the match with several key players unavailable, yet their resolve and tactical preparation kept them competitive against a club renowned for its defensive resilience. For much of the first half, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Noni Madueke emerging as their most consistent offensive threat. Athletic Bilbao, true to their identity, pressed high and tested the Gunners’ defensive composure, making the encounter a tense and closely contested affair.

The breakthrough came from a perfectly timed substitution. Martinelli, on the pitch for only 36 minutes, capitalized on a loose ball in midfield, exploiting a rare gap in Bilbao’s defense. A deft second touch allowed him to evade Andoni Gorosabel before sliding the ball beneath goalkeeper Unai Simón. The opener, crafted in tandem with Leandro Trossard—another substitute—set the tone for the rest of the night. Moments later, Trossard returned the favor, receiving a pass from Martinelli and scoring the second goal, sealing Arsenal’s triumph and proving Arteta’s faith in his bench was well-placed.

The match underscored a key lesson from last season: depth matters. Arsenal’s reliance on their substitutes was decisive, highlighting the importance of having quality options beyond the starting XI. While Athletic Bilbao maintained possession and created sporadic chances, it was Arsenal’s bench that ultimately tipped the scales. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard demonstrated that with the right combination of timing, skill, and vision, substitutes can change the trajectory of a match in moments.

Athletic Bilbao, as expected, contested every ball with intensity. Mikel Jauregizar’s early attempts tested Arsenal’s defensive resolve, and a series of near-misses kept the home crowd on edge. Adama Boiro, Alejandro Berenguer, and Iñaki Williams frequently threatened the flanks, while Riccardo Calafiori and Eberechi Eze attempted to exploit defensive gaps on the Arsenal side. Yet, despite their persistence, Bilbao could not break through the disciplined Gunners backline.

Arsenal’s tactical approach, particularly in the early stages, favored controlled possession rather than reckless aggression. This allowed them to weather Athletic’s initial bursts and strategically open spaces later in the match. On several occasions, Martinelli’s clever movement and quick decision-making provided the cutting edge needed to convert tight situations into scoring opportunities. His combination play with Trossard not only demonstrated individual brilliance but also reflected the team’s broader tactical cohesion.

San Mamés erupted in the closing stages as Arsenal’s substitutes, who had patiently waited for their moment, decisively influenced the outcome. Fans celebrated both goals with equal fervor, acknowledging the significance of the victory in the context of a demanding Champions League group stage. For Arsenal, the win was more than three points—it symbolized a renewed sense of ambition and the tangible benefits of squad depth.

While the financial gulf between the teams was stark—€12 million for Bilbao’s starting XI versus €567 million for Arsenal—the match itself was far from one-sided in spirit or execution. Athletic Bilbao embraced the challenge, demonstrating that determination and tactical discipline could nearly offset a disparity in resources. The encounter illustrated the beauty of football: talent, preparation, and composure can intersect to produce moments of brilliance.

The strategic substitutions also highlighted Arteta’s meticulous planning. By introducing Martinelli and Trossard at critical junctures, the manager reinforced the idea that victories are often crafted off the bench as much as on it. Their immediate impact exemplified the concept of “impact players,” underlining the broader significance of depth in a competitive European campaign.

In summary, Arsenal’s opening Champions League fixture was a testament to the value of preparation, patience, and tactical insight. Gabriel Martinelli’s decisive performance, alongside Leandro Trossard’s clinical finishing, ensured that the Gunners not only secured a vital victory but also sent a message to future opponents about the potency of their full squad. As the season unfolds, the ability to leverage impact players like Martinelli will likely remain a cornerstone of Arsenal’s strategy both domestically and in Europe.

With the first step completed, Arsenal now look ahead to their next fixtures with confidence, knowing that their depth and versatility could be the key to a memorable and potentially historic European campaign. The victory at San Mamés will long be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the clear demonstration of the philosophy Arteta has cultivated—a philosophy where preparation meets opportunity, and where impact players turn decisive moments into lasting triumphs.