Athletic Club equal Real Madrid’s 30-year European record in Arsenal loss

Athletic Club matches Real Madrid’s 30-year European record in Arsenal loss

Athletic Bilbao made history on Tuesday by equalling a 30-year-old Real Madrid record, but their inexperience showed in a 2-0 defeat to Premier League side Arsenal.

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.

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.0

Bilbao will now look to bounce back and secure their first win of the 2025-26 campaign when they travel to Borussia Dortmund.0

Meanwhile, Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium to face Olympiakos on October 1.