Athletic Club vs Arsenal: 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Match Preview

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Opening Match between Athletic Club vs Arsenal will be scheduled on Tuesday,  September 16, 2025, at 17:45 BST at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. After winning the 13th September Premier League match over Nottingham Forest by 3-0, Arsenal will be looking for its first victory in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.

Athletic Club welcome Arsenal to San Mamés, Bilbao, in their opening match of the group stage. It’s a big moment for Athletic — it’s their return to the Champions League group‐stage for the first time since the 2014-15 season. Arsenal, meanwhile, were Champions League semi‐finalists in the 2024-25 Champions League, so they enter with expectations high.

Athletic have started their La Liga season in good form, but are missing key attacking threats like Nico Williams through injury, which dents their firepower up front. Arsenal are dealing with their own injury issues: Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz are all questionable or ruled out. Their squad depth will be tested.

2025 UEFA Champions League opening match: Athletic Club vs Arsenal

Athletic Club vs Arsenal 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Starting XI

• Athletic Club Possible Starting XI Prediction: (4-2-3-1)
  • GK: Unai Simón
  • Defenders: Jesús Areso, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche
  • Midfield: Mikel Jauregizar, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta
  • Attacking Mid/Forwards: Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Alejandro Berenguer
  • Striker: Maroan Sannadi
• Arsenal Possible Starting XI Prediction: (4-3-3)
  • GK: David Raya
  • Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly
  • Midfield: Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice
  • Attackers: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Match Information

Key Players to Watch:

• For Athletic: Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet. They often carry the creative burden, especially with Williams’ pace & exploitation of spaces behind defences.
• For Arsenal: Viktor Gyökeres is showing sharp finishing; Zubimendi in midfield has impressed with goals and control; Martinelli’s link-up play and flair will stretch Athletic’s defence.

Match Prediction

Arsenal look more likely to edge this one. Given their recent European experience & their depth even amid injuries, expect a tense opening half, but Arsenal pulling away with a 2-0 win away.

Arsenal will make life awkward at San Mamés, but Arsenal should manage enough quality to get the three points.

• Match Score: Athletic Club 0–2 Arsenal

Head-to-Head & Tactical Analysis

Historically, Athletic Club and Arsenal have only met once in a competitive match. That encounter was a friendly match (Emirates Cup), where Arsenal won 3-0. Athletic are still seeking their first win against the Gunners.

Given the sparse head-to-head history, form & injuries are likely to matter more than historical rivalry. Players missing or out of form could greatly affect the tactical balance.

Tactical Insights

• Arsenal’s away performance tends to be more efficient—solid in defense and clinical in attack.
• Athletic Club’s home record is strong: they win many of their home matches and defend robustly at San Mamés. But their scoring rate at home is moderate.

Last 5 Match Performance

How to watch the Athletic Club vs Arsenal Champions League match, and Live Score?

The 2025-25 UEFA Champions League Athletic Club vs Arsenal will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC One and ITV, with streaming available on BT Sport, BT Sport app, BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Fans around the world can also follow the action through official broadcasters in their respective regions. You can follow the match coverage on the official site of UEFA or ITV Football.

The kick-off is set for 16 September 2025. In the U.K., it will be around 5:45 pm BST, and in Spain, about 6:45 pm. For viewers in the U.S., this typically translates to early afternoon or morning, depending on the time zone.