All 11 of the Spanish club’s starters were making their UEFA Champions League debuts, marking the first time a Spanish team fielded a completely debutant XI since Real Madrid did so in September 1995.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The lack of experience proved costly, as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard struck early to give Mikel Arteta’s side a flying start at San Mames.
Bilbao will now look to bounce back and secure their first win of the 2025-26 campaign when they travel to Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium to face Olympiakos on October 1.