Athletic Club vs Arsenal — Champions League Preview (16 Sept 2025)

Kick-off: 18:45 CET
Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Matchday 1

Match Context

Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign with a tricky away fixture against Athletic Club at the intimidating San Mamés. The Gunners are back in Europe’s top competition after a strong Premier League season, while Athletic earned their place through La Liga consistency.

San Mamés is often called the “Cathedral of Football” in Spain, and its atmosphere could be a key factor. Arsenal, however, enter the game in fine form, unbeaten in their last five competitive matches and scoring freely.

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Team News & Predicted Lineups

Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

GK: Unai Simón
RB: Óscar de Marcos
CB: Yeray Álvarez
CB: Iñigo Martínez
LB: Yuri Berchiche
CM: Dani García
CM: Oihan Sancet
RW: Nico Williams
AM: Iker Muniain (C)
LW: Álex Berenguer
ST: Gorka Guruzeta

Key Notes:

Nico Williams brings speed and flair on the wing.
Veteran Iker Muniain provides creativity between the lines.
Defensive solidity rests on goalkeeper Unai Simón, Spain’s No.1.

Arsenal (4-3-3)

GK: David Raya
RB: Ben White
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhães
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Martin Ødegaard (C)
CM: Kai Havertz
RW: Bukayo Saka
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
ST: Gabriel Jesus

Key Notes:

Arsenal’s attack revolves around Bukayo Saka and Martinelli stretching the flanks.
Ødegaard dictates tempo and creativity from midfield.
Declan Rice shields the backline and breaks play.

Tactical Analysis

Athletic Club’s Approach: Intense pressing, direct attacking, and reliance on wide players like Nico Williams. Expect them to exploit Arsenal’s high line with counter-attacks.
Arsenal’s Approach: Ball retention, positional play, and exploiting half-spaces with Ødegaard and Havertz. Saka vs Yuri Berchiche on the wing is a key duel.
Key Battle: Nico Williams vs Oleksandr Zinchenko — pace vs technical intelligence.

Key Players to Watch

Athletic Club: Nico Williams — fast winger, decisive in 1v1 duels.
Athletic Club: Unai Simón — goalkeeper, crucial for keeping Arsenal at bay.
Arsenal: Bukayo Saka — England international, Arsenal’s most consistent attacker.
Arsenal: Martin Ødegaard — creative hub, controls the rhythm of Arsenal’s play.
Sources:

Athletic Club vs Arsenal — Champions League Preview Matchday 1