Brazilian shines as Arsenal kick off UCL with a win in Bilbao 😎 | OneFootball

In an exciting Champions League clash, Arsenal emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.

The match remained goalless until the 72nd minute when Gabriel Martinelli, fresh off the bench, broke the deadlock.

Leandro Trossard, another substitute, sealed the victory with a deflected shot in the 87th minute following ANOTHER play from Martinelli.

Player of the Match

Gabriel Martinelli was the standout, scoring the crucial opening goal just seconds after coming on as a substitute. His speed and accuracy in front of goal were key in Arsenal's win, showcasing his ability to instantly change the game.

Intriguing Statistic

Gabriel Martinelli scored just 36 seconds after being subbed on, highlighting his immediate impact and knack for scoring crucial goals in away Champions League matches.

What We Learned

Arsenal's squad depth was on display as substitutes Martinelli and Trossard combined to secure the win. The Gunners' ability to tactically adapt, with Merino playing in a more advanced role, kept Athletic Bilbao on their toes.

Despite losing key players, Arsenal's resilience and strategic use of possession allowed them to control the game. The atmosphere at San Mamés was electric, but Arsenal's composure under pressure was commendable. This match was a testament to Arteta's tactical acumen and the team's growing European pedigree.

Current Standings

Arsenal's win propels them to second place in the UEFA Champions League standings, with three points and a goal difference of +2. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, find themselves at the bottom of the table, needing to regroup quickly to keep their European hopes alive.

What's Next

Athletic Bilbao will travel to Valencia for their next La Liga match, aiming to bounce back and maintain their strong form in the league.

Arsenal, on the other hand, face a challenging Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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