The Daily Star Ireland
Athletic Bilbao return to the UEFA Champions League stage for the first time in 11 years, riding the momentum of a top-four La Liga finish last season. The Basque club, guided by Ernesto Valverde, have started their new campaign in excellent form, winning their first three league matches against Sevilla (3-2), Rayo Vallecano (1-0), and Real Betis (2-1). Ahead of this European opener, they also faced Alavés, looking to extend their domestic streak. Last season’s Europa League semi-final run highlighted Bilbao’s growing stature, and their return to Europe’s premier competition is a statement of intent.
Arsenal arrive in Bilbao as established contenders, having reached the Champions League semi-finals last season after eliminating Real Madrid in a memorable tie. Domestically, the Gunners have looked equally strong, with convincing early-season victories over Manchester United (1-0 and 5-0) signaling their title credentials. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool tempered their momentum slightly, but Mikel Arteta’s men remain firmly in the hunt as they face Nottingham Forest before this European challenge.
Injury Concerns and Squad News
Bilbao will be without some key players. Star winger Nico Williams, who scored in the early rounds of La Liga, is sidelined after picking up an injury on international duty. Fellow attackers Oihan Sancet and Álex Berenguer are also unavailable, while defender Yeray Álvarez is suspended following a doping case and won’t return this season. Despite the welcome return of Aymeric Laporte to San Mamés, the Spanish international cannot be registered for this phase of the tournament. That leaves Unai Simón in goal and Iñaki Williams up front to carry the hopes of an experienced squad. Williams netted 11 goals last season but is still searching for his first strike of the new campaign.
Arsenal also face injury setbacks. Defensive cornerstone William Saliba is out, while Gabriel Jesus was left unregistered for the competition. Bukayo Saka, already off the mark in the Premier League, is sidelined, as is German international Kai Havertz. Fortunately, new signing Viktor Gyökeres has hit the ground running, scoring twice against Leeds before the international break. In midfield, Martín Zubimendi has settled quickly alongside stalwarts Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Mikel Merino, while Eberechi Eze adds creativity and dynamism in advanced areas.
Prediction
This fixture promises fireworks at San Mamés. Athletic are likely to press aggressively and look to exploit transitions, while Arsenal will rely on their midfield control and attacking depth despite key absences. With both sides carrying attacking threats and defensive gaps, goals are expected.
Expect an open contest, with the Gunners’ European experience and Gyökeres’ form proving decisive. Athletic will fight hard in front of their fans and could find the net, but Arsenal’s quality should be enough to edge a thrilling encounter.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1 – 2 Arsenal
