The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season officially kicks off with a thrilling encounter as Arsenal travel to Spain to face Athletic Bilbao at the iconic San Mamés Stadium. This opening group-stage clash promises high intensity, as both teams are eager to make a strong start in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
For Arsenal, the match is a chance to showcase their ambitions of going one step further after reaching the semi-finals last season, while Athletic Bilbao will be determined to defend their home turf and secure a vital result against one of England’s giants.
Fans across the world are already searching for Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao live streaming, match schedules, TV broadcasters, and official lineups. In this article, we bring you a complete match preview, team news, and everything you need to know before kickoff.
Arsenal’s European Ambitions
Arsenal enter the 2025/26 Champions League campaign full of confidence and ambition. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have transformed into one of Europe’s most dangerous sides, playing fluid attacking football combined with tactical discipline.
Last season, Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009, before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. That experience has fueled the hunger within the squad to finally lift the prestigious trophy.
Despite injury setbacks, Arsenal strengthened their squad during the summer transfer window. The Gunners added:
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Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden) – powerful striker from Sporting CP.
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Noni Madueke (England) – explosive winger from Chelsea.
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Eberechi Eze (England/Nigeria) – creative midfielder from Crystal Palace.
These signings give Arsenal a new dimension in attack, making them even more unpredictable in the final third.
Arsenal’s Key Absentees
Unfortunately, Arsenal will be without several key players for the trip to Spain:
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Martin Ødegaard (captain – injury).
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Ben White (defender).
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Bukayo Saka (winger – muscle injury).
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Gabriel Jesus (forward).
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Kai Havertz (attacking midfielder).
Despite these absences, Arteta has enough depth and talent to field a competitive lineup.
Athletic Bilbao’s Challenge
Athletic Bilbao approach this clash with determination to prove themselves on the European stage. Known for their unique philosophy of only signing players from the Basque region, Bilbao remain one of the most traditional clubs in Spain.
The Basque side, coached by Ernesto Valverde, have started their La Liga campaign positively, sitting in the top four despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Alavés in their last league outing.
Bilbao’s passionate home supporters at San Mamés are famous for creating an intimidating atmosphere. Against Arsenal, this energy could become a decisive factor.
Bilbao’s Key Players
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Unai Simón – Spain’s national team goalkeeper.
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Iñaki Williams – fast, direct forward who stretches defenses.
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Nico Williams – exciting winger, already attracting interest from top European clubs.
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Oihan Sancet – creative midfielder capable of controlling the tempo.
Match Details: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao
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📅 Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
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⏰ Kickoff Time: 19:45 (Egypt & Saudi Arabia) / 20:45 (UAE) / 18:45 (CET) / 17:45 (UK)
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🏟️ Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain
Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao Live Streaming & TV Channels
The broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 in the Middle East and North Africa are owned exclusively by beIN Sports.
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📺 TV Channel: beIN Sports 1 HD Premium
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🌍 Other regions:
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TNT Sports (UK)
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CBS Sports & Paramount+ (USA)
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DAZN (Canada, Germany, Italy)
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Canal+ (France)
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Movistar+ (Spain)
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Online Streaming Platforms
Fans can watch the game live through official online services:
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beIN CONNECT – for MENA subscribers.
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TOD App – available on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
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Paramount+ – for US viewers.
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DAZN App – available in selected European markets.
Commentary Team
The match will be commentated by Amer Al-Khudhairi, one of the most popular Arabic football commentators, exclusively on beIN Sports.
Predicted Lineups
🔴 Arsenal (4-3-3):
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Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
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Defense: Tomiyasu – Saliba – Kiwior – Zinchenko
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Midfield: Thomas Partey – Declan Rice – Fabio Vieira
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Attack: Madueke – Gyökeres – Eze
⚪ Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3):
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Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
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Defense: De Marcos – Núñez – Vivian – Yuri Berchiche
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Midfield: Dani García – Vesga – Oihan Sancet
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Attack: Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta – Iñaki Williams
Head-to-Head History
Historically, Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao have rarely faced each other in official UEFA competitions. This lack of past meetings adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the game.
Both teams will be entering the pitch without psychological baggage, meaning tactical decisions and individual brilliance could decide the outcome.
Tactical Preview
Arsenal’s Approach
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Arteta will likely focus on possession-based football.
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Declan Rice and Partey will provide balance in midfield.
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New attackers Gyökeres and Madueke could exploit spaces behind Bilbao’s defense.
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Arsenal may look to control the game with quick passing and overlapping full-backs.
Athletic Bilbao’s Approach
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Valverde is expected to rely on counter-attacks using the pace of the Williams brothers.
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Midfield pressing will be crucial to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up.
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Bilbao will aim to use set-pieces as a weapon, with Núñez and Vivian dangerous in aerial duels.
Key Battles to Watch
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Declan Rice vs Oihan Sancet – a midfield duel that could determine ball control.
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Nico Williams vs Tomiyasu – speed and dribbling against defensive discipline.
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Gyökeres vs Vivian – physical striker against Bilbao’s solid center-back.
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