Arteta Back in Basque Country as Arsenal Kick Off Champions League Campaign

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Kick-off: 18:45 CEST
Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao

Arsenal return to the Champions League tonight with a tricky opening group fixture away to Athletic Club. For Mikel Arteta’s side, it’s a chance to build on last season’s semi-final run, while the hosts mark their first appearance in Europe’s elite competition since 2014.

What’s at Stake

• Arsenal: Looking to start strong after falling to PSG in last season’s semi-final. Arteta has said this team is built to go further, and the squad depth will be tested early.
• Athletic Club: Back in the Champions League after more than a decade. The Basques want to make San Mamés a fortress and prove they can compete with Europe’s best.

Team News

Arsenal

• Out: Martin Ødegaard (shoulder), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz.
• Doubt: William Saliba (fitness test).
• Back: Declan Rice expected to return after being rested at the weekend.
• On form: Noni Madueke keeps his place after impressing in the league win over Nottingham Forest.

Athletic Club

• Out: Nico Williams (muscle), Prados (knee), Aymeric Laporte (not registered).
• Ernesto Valverde will lean on the experience of Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet to trouble Arsenal’s backline.

Predicted Arsenal XI

Formation: 4-3-3

• GK: David Raya
• RB: Jurrien Timber
• CBs: Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel
• LB: Ethan Nwaneri / Lewis-Skelly option
• Midfield: Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze
• Forwards: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli

Tactical Battle

• Arsenal creativity: With Ødegaard and Saka missing, responsibility shifts to Eberechi Eze and Madueke to create openings.
• Rice’s return: The England international adds steel and stability, especially vital against Athletic’s pressing game.
• Bilbao’s plan: Expect physical duels, high pressing, and set-piece pressure. Without Nico Williams, much of their threat will come through Sancet and Iñaki Williams.

Recent Form

• Arsenal: Undefeated in their last five across all competitions, scoring freely with Gyökeres and Zubimendi both on the scoresheet last weekend.
• Athletic Club: Strong start in La Liga but slipped with a home loss to Alavés — defensive frailties they can’t afford tonight.

Prediction

Arsenal’s depth will be tested, but the squad has already shown resilience with key men missing. If Madueke continues his form and Rice controls the midfield, the Gunners should edge it.

Prediction: Athletic Club 0–2 Arsenal