It has been 132 days since being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, Mikel Arteta's students began their journey to conquer the first Champions League title in history with an impressive performance at San Mames - one of the most severe arenas in Europe.
Arsenal entered the campaign with 8 new players, including five of the starting players. Therefore, Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde decided right before the match that the "Gunners" deserved to be considered the leading candidate for the title this season.
The home side - also back in the Champions League after a decade of absence - started the match full of excitement. However, Noni Madueke, who was deployed as a right winger to replace Bukayo Saka, caused many difficulties for the opponent's defense.
Arsenal's clearest chance in the first half came from Eberechi Eze. He took advantage of Madueke's comeback to finish, but the final shot was promptly blocked by Andoni Gorosabel.
A few minutes later, Viktor Gyokeres first challenged Unai Simon with a dangerous low shot, forcing the Bilbao goalkeeper to show his talent. The Swedish international almost caused Simon to show his save once more, but Jurrien Timber's precise pass headed wide of the post.
From a direct dribble by Madueke, Arsenal were awarded a free kick. Declan Rice hung the ball for Gabriel to jump high to head it, but the ball bounced back. In a chaotic situation, the Brazilian centre-back accidentally collided, causing Gyokeres himself to have a headache and have to wear a ban date.
This move slowed down Arsenal's pressing, creating an opportunity for Bilbao to close the first half with a balanced game, although David Raya was almost unable to work.
Inaki Williams fired the first shot on target for the home team late in the first half, before Mikel Merino headed the ball for Simon to show his talent after Eze's assist.
In the second half, Mikel Arteta's substitution created a turning point. Gyokeres and Eze left the field to make way for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli only needed 36 seconds after coming off the bench to score. With only 3 minutes left in the match, Martinelli continued to leave his mark. He returned the ball to Trossard, who fired a decisive shot that hit the post and flew straight into the net, sealing a 2-0 victory for Arsenal.
The brilliant victory in San Mames not only opened the smooth Champions League journey, but also gave the "Gunners" more confidence ahead of the big match against Manchester City at the Emirates this weekend.
