The curtain rises on this season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) in Bilbao, as Athletic Club kick off their first UCL main draw campaign in over a decade against Arsenal.
Match News and Current Form
A fourth-place finish in La Liga last season earned Athletic a spot at Europe’s top table for the first time since 2014/15. That campaign ended at the group stage, but having reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) last season, the Spanish side have proved they have much more pedigree in Europe these days. Nowhere was that more evident than at home, where they won six of their seven European games last season (L1), although their sole defeat did come against English opposition in the form of Manchester United. They suffered a home defeat at the weekend too, going down 1-0 against Alavés to end their 100% winning start to the La Liga season (W3, L1).
Arsenal had no such issues at the weekend, as they breezed past Nottingham Forest 3-0. It wasn’t all positivity though, with the Gunners’ lengthy injury list adding a new name in Martin Ødegaard, who was forced off in the first half. Boss Mikel Arteta now has a bit of a selection headache, but with only Real Madrid (33) earning more group/league phase points across the last two UCL editions than Arsenal (32), he should be confident his side have what it takes here regardless. Recent history would certainly back that up too, as Arsenal have won four of their last five UCL away games, although they did concede in all five of those outings.
Head-to-Head History
This will be a first-ever competitive meeting between these two sides. Arsenal have excelled against Spanish opposition of late, winning each of their last five meetings, including three last season.
Hot Stats and Streaks
All three of Athletic’s home games this season were settled by a one-goal margin (W2, L1).
Athletic’s last six European home games saw at least one first-half goal.
None of Arsenal’s four games this season saw both teams score.
Arsenal are unbeaten on matchday one in their last eight UCL or UEL campaigns.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Iñaki Williams could become the first-ever non-Spanish player to play in the UCL for Athletic here - he opened the scoring on three of his four European scoring appearances last season. Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi netted a brace at the weekend, but may be in for an unhappier midweek jaunt having lost each of his last four personal away H2Hs with Athletic.
Nico Williams sat out of Athletic’s weekend defeat to Alavés. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz all missed Arsenal’s weekend clash.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Although Arsenal are inherently strong, Athletic do tend to excel at home in Europe, so backing a draw could be a sensible bet.
Author: Chris Wilson