Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Prediction 16.09.2025

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Prediction and Betting Tips headline Tuesday night’s Champions League action at the iconic San Mames Stadium. It’s the Basque club’s third-ever group stage appearance, while Arsenal arrive with momentum, belief, and the chance to make history. For more insights, dive into Champions League Predictions from XpertStats experts.

• First-ever official Champions League meeting between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal.
• Arsenal chasing a historic sixth straight win against Spanish sides in Europe.
• Bilbao enter the group stage for only the third time in their history.
• Injury worries for both teams: Odegaard doubtful, Nico Williams ruled out.

Arsenal’s journey under Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of remarkable. Semi-finalists last season, quarter-finalists the year before, the Gunners are edging closer to the ultimate prize. They’ve also turned Spanish opposition into something of a specialty, winning their last five encounters, including victories over Real Madrid and Sevilla. Can they stretch that run to six? Injuries complicate things, with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus sidelined, while Martin Odegaard is a big doubt after another shoulder setback. Still, the 3-0 weekend win over Nottingham Forest showed just how deep Arteta’s squad is, with Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres stepping up.

Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are back in the big time after finishing fourth in La Liga last season. Ernesto Valverde’s men opened their domestic campaign with three wins on the spin, only to stumble at home to Alaves in a shock 1-0 defeat. That loss came at the worst possible moment, right before facing one of Europe’s hottest sides. Bilbao’s Champions League track record isn’t glowing, two previous appearances, two group stage exits, but this squad carries a quiet determination. Inaki Williams leads the line with fire, while Oihan Sancet and Mikel Jauregizar bring creativity from midfield.

Team news, however, has dampened local spirits. Star winger Nico Williams misses out with an adductor problem, and defensive stalwart Yeray Alvarez is still banned. Aymeric Laporte, curiously, hasn’t been registered for the European campaign either. That leaves Valverde with gaps to patch, though San Mames itself remains a fortress where Athletic have beaten some of Europe’s finest. They’ll need every ounce of that energy against an Arsenal side that thrives on high-press intensity and slick transitions.

Make no mistake: this isn’t a walkover. Bilbao’s spirit and Valverde’s experience count for plenty. But the Gunners’ form, firepower, and hunger for continental validation make them slight favourites. If they pull it off, they won’t just leave Spain with three points, they’ll make history. That’s why the smart money edges towards Arsenal, though in football, especially at San Mames, nothing is guaranteed. For bettors and fans alike, this clash feels like the perfect storm of tradition, ambition, and sheer unpredictability. A classic Champions League night is brewing.