By Victor Okoye
BILBAO, Spain, Sept. 16 (NAN) – Arsenal made a bold start to their UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night.
Second-half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sealed the win with two late goals at the San Mames Stadium.
The Gunners, semi-finalists last season, dominated large spells of the game but struggled to convert chances until manager Mikel Arteta turned to his bench.
Martinelli replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute and scored within seconds, finishing off a pass from Trossard with a composed strike.
Three minutes from time, the Brazilian turned provider. He beat his marker and squared for Trossard to score Arsenal’s second goal.
Arteta praised the impact of his substitutes, calling them “finishers” and emphasising their growing role in modern football.
“They are sometimes more important than the starters,” he said.
Earlier in the game, Athletic’s defence held firm, with Andoni Gorosabel denying Eze from close range in the first half.
Viktor Gyokeres also missed two chances for Arsenal, who grew into the game as Bilbao threatened on the counter.
The result marks a strong statement from Arsenal, who began last season’s campaign with a goalless draw.
Bilbao, playing in their first Champions League match since 2014, will now face Borussia Dortmund away on Oct. 1, while the Gunners host Olympiakos on the same date.
After years of rebuilding, Arsenal aim to prove they can challenge Europe’s elite and push for a deep run in this season’s tournament.(NAN)
