Athletic Club are back on Europe’s biggest stage after finishing fourth in La Liga last season, cementing their first UEFA Champions League campaign since 2014/15. That run ended at the group stage, but with a Europa League semi-final under their belt just last year, Ernesto Valverde’s side now carry more European experience, Softfootball reports.
San Mamés was key to that success, with Athletic winning six of their seven European home games last season. Their only slip came against English opposition in Manchester United. They’ll be hoping for a stronger showing this time, though their perfect start to the La Liga season was cut short over the weekend with a 1-0 defeat at home to Alavés.
Athletic Club’s confirmed XI to face Arsenal in tonight’s UCL clash, posted via the team’s official X handle, see below;
Arsenal make the trip to Bilbao in strong form after brushing past Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Emirates. But the win came at a cost, with captain Martin Ødegaard forced off through injury, joining Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Kai Havertz on the sidelines.
Even with those setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s side remain confident. The Gunners have picked up 32 points in the Champions League group phase over the past two seasons .only Real Madrid (33) have more. They’ve also won four of their last five away games in the competition, although they conceded in all five.
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Athletic Club and Arsenal, but history favours the visitors. The Gunners have won each of their last five games against Spanish opposition, including three victories last season.
Arsenal Confirmed Xi to face Athletic Club tonight , released via the team’s official X handle, see below;
Key players to watch include Iñaki Williams, who is set to become the first non-Spanish player to feature for Athletic in the Champions League, and Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi, fresh from a weekend brace but carrying a personal losing streak at San Mamés.
