Arsenal’s Champions League campaign kicks off in the Basque Country, as they take on Athletic Club at the San Mamés.
These two sides faced off for the first time in the summer, with the Gunners inviting the La Liga side to compete in the Emirates Cup. A routine 3–0 victory ensued for the hosts, who will be expecting a more daunting encounter on Tuesday night.
Athletic Club, led by former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, finished fourth in Spain last season and were Europa League semifinalists. However, a quiet summer has tempered expectations somewhat for 2025–26, even if retaining the services of Nico Williams for the long haul was a huge boost.
This is their first Champions League outing since 2014–15, and the hosts are taking on a side that can claim to be one of Europe’s strongest. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were semifinalists last time out, and they’ve built a squad over the summer which looks prepared for deep runs across multiple fronts.
Both teams have won three of their first four domestic outings of the new season, with Athletic tasting defeat for the first time at home to Alavés on Saturday. The Gunners, meanwhile, impressed in their 3–0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Here is guide to Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
