For Arsenal, the journey back to Europe’s elite has been nothing short of remarkable. Since ending a seven-year absence from the Champions League, Mikel Arteta has led his side on an upward curve—reaching the quarter-finals in 2024 and then going one better with a semi-final appearance last season. Although they eventually fell short against Paris Saint-Germain, their performance hinted at a team finally ready to compete for the continent’s biggest prize.
This summer’s £250 million transfer outlay only strengthened that belief, as the Gunners look to fight on both Premier League and Champions League fronts. Domestically, they have already collected nine points from their opening four league matches, and they arrive in Spain fresh from a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Even without Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Kai Havertz, and captain Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal hardly missed a beat thanks to a Martin Zubimendi brace and another goal from Viktor Gyökeres.
Arteta’s men now have history in their sights. Victory on Tuesday would see Arsenal become the first team to win six straight matches against Spanish opposition in the Champions League, having already dispatched Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Girona over the past two years.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are entering only their third Champions League campaign since the competition was rebranded in 1992. Under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, they finished fourth in La Liga last season with an impressive 70 points—behind only Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. However, their previous adventures in the tournament ended at the group stage, and they will be desperate to prove they can compete on the big stage this time around.
The Basque club started the new La Liga season brightly with three consecutive wins but stumbled just before the international break, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Alavés after an own goal from Alex Berenguer. That result has slightly dampened the momentum ahead of Arsenal’s visit.
The two sides did meet earlier this year in a friendly at the Emirates Cup, where Arsenal eased to a 3-0 victory without ever needing to shift into top gear. Tuesday’s contest, however, promises to be an entirely different challenge, with much more than pride on the line.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Arsenal suffered a familiar setback at the weekend, as captain Martin Ødegaard aggravated the same shoulder he injured against Leeds United just a few weeks ago. It was the second knock to the area in three matches, and his availability for Tuesday’s clash in Bilbao remains uncertain.
Supporters are anxiously awaiting updates not only on Ødegaard but also on William Saliba, who is nursing an ankle problem, and Christian Nørgaard, who picked up a knock. What is certain, however, is that Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (knee), and Gabriel Jesus (knee) will all miss the trip.
With a showdown against Manchester City looming on the horizon, Mikel Arteta may be tempted to rest key names even if they are passed fit, leaning on his squad depth to rotate, particularly in defence where changes are expected.
Athletic Bilbao have injury concerns of their own. Winger Nico Williams, once linked with a move to Arsenal, will be sidelined by an adductor issue, while Aymeric Laporte has not been registered for the group stage. They are also without Benat Prados (knee), Unai Egiluz (ACL), and veteran centre-back Yeray Álvarez, who is serving a long-term suspension for a doping violation. Inigo Lekue is another doubt with an adductor problem.
Still, the hosts can call on the ever-reliable Inaki Williams, who is set to lead the charge from the right flank. He will be joined by Oihan Sancet and Mikel Jauregizar through the middle, two young talents who have quickly become central figures in Ernesto Valverde’s plans.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Vesga, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
