Arsenal commenced their Champions League campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, thanks to impactful contributions from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The Gunners' manager, Mikel Arteta, saw his tactical substitutions pay dividends as both players found the net in the second half, securing a hard-fought win.

The match began with both sides displaying tactical discipline and vying for control in midfield. Athletic Bilbao, known for their passionate home support, proved to be a challenging opponent, pressing high and disrupting Arsenal's rhythm in the first half. Arsenal struggled to break down Bilbao's organized defense, and clear-cut chances were scarce in the opening 45 minutes.

As the second half commenced, Arteta made strategic changes, introducing Gabriel Martinelli into the fray. The Brazilian forward made an immediate impact, scoring just 36 seconds after coming on as a substitute. Martinelli's goal injected fresh energy into Arsenal's attack.

Building on the momentum, Arsenal continued to press forward, and Leandro Trossard soon joined Martinelli on the scoresheet. Trossard's goal further solidified Arsenal's lead and demonstrated the effectiveness of Arteta's substitutions.

The win provides Arsenal with a positive start to their Champions League journey. The Gunners were able to secure victory despite a stern test from their Spanish counterparts. The contributions from Martinelli and Trossard underscore the importance of squad depth and tactical flexibility in European competition.

Arsenal's ability to grind out a win against a tough opponent like Athletic Bilbao will give the team confidence as they navigate their Champions League group. The Gunners' next challenge will be to maintain this momentum and secure qualification for the knockout stages.