The Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal clash is set to be a thrilling encounter as Arsenal aim to get their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign off on a positive note when they face off against La Liga side Athletic Bilbao in their first game of the league stages at the San Mames Stadium on Tuesday evening. A victory will be crucial for the Gunners to take an early advantage in the league stages, while the Spanish side look to cause an upset in front of their passionate fans.
Match Details
San Mames Stadium
Bilbao, Spain
9 September, 2025
Kickoff 5:45 GMT
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Key Factors For Each Team
Athletic Bilbao have actually had a pretty impressive start to the 2025-26 season, having won three of their four La Liga games so far and being in fourth place in the La Liga table. They are now looking to make an impact in European football and prove their quality in the highest form aka the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal are determined to get their their European campaign off in a positive fashion after having had a solid start to the Premier League. The Gunners have won three of their four league games so far and aim to build on their winning momentum in their away trip to Bilbao.
With all being said, here we look at a few key factors to consider for the upcoming Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal clash in the UEFA Champions League.
Can Arsenal’s new signings elevate them in Europe?
Arsenal are going into the opening game of the league stages of the Champions League with momentum behind them, but with also some injury issues holding them back. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are already out with injury troubles, while Martin Odegaard remains a doubt after sustaining a shoulder injury in the win over Nottingham Forest. That means Mikel Arteta will be quite reliant on his 2025 summer signings to uplift the overall qualify of his side.
Star striker Viktor Gyokeres heads into the game at the back of three goals in his four Premier League games this season. Gyokeres had six goals in the Champions League for Sporting CP last season and aims to do even better this time around. He’ll need to be clinical in finishing off chances and bully defenders with his physicality to help give his side an edge in the attack. Fortunately for Gyokeres, he will get plenty of support in the attacking front.
Arsenal’s summer signing Eberechi Eze looks well suited to Arteta’s system already, getting an assist in his Emirates Stadium debut as an Arsenal player in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Noni Madueke has produced some thrilling performances and is eager to get some goal contributions to his name. If the trio of Gyokeres-Eze-Madueke can play to their best ability, then Arsenal can unleash a devastating attacking threat at the hosts and cause them heavy pressure.
Are Athletic Bilbao Going To Able To Cope Without Nico Williams?
Nico Williams had a pretty dramatic summer transfer window. Despite being strongly linked with FC Barcelona, he opted to sign a long-term contract with Athletic Bilbao to show his loyalty to his childhood club. Williams has had an impressive start to the 2025-26 season with Athlketic Bilbao, having three goal contributions (one goal two assists) in three games so far.
However, Williams is not going to be available for this game because of an adductor muscle injury he sustained recently. That means it’ll be upon the other Athletic Bilbao players to make sure his presence isn’t missed. Onus will be on his elder brother, Inaki Williams, to be at his clinical best to torment the Arsenal defenders, force them into errors and produce something special to help them get a big win.
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Probable Lineups
With the sheer importance of this UEFA Champions League match, both Mikel Arteta and Ernesto Valverde will be eager to field the strongest Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao lineups in the Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal clash. Here we look at the probable lineups for the Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal clash.
Athletic Bilbao XI: Unai Simon, Jesus Areso, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berichiche, Mikel Jauregizar, Mikel Vesga, Alex Bereguer, Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta
Arsenal XI: David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera (Saliba, if fully fit), Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Key Injuries
Athletic Bilbao: Nico Williams
Arsenal: Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba (possible), Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus