Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Champions League 2025/26 Preview
The Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Champions League 2025/26 group stage clash is set to light up San Mamés. Athletic make their long-awaited return to the Champions League after 11 years, while Arsenal arrive in Spain as one of the strongest contenders from the Premier League. Fans searching for the Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live stream, TV channel info, kickoff time, lineups, and prediction will find everything here in one place.
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Kick-off Time & TV Channel
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Kick-off Times by Country:
9:00 PM (Spain)
8:00 PM (UK)
3:00 PM (USA EST)
12:30 AM (India, Thursday)
How to Watch Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Live Stream
UK: TNT Sports & Discovery+
USA: Paramount+ / CBS Sports
India: Sony LIV & Sony Sports Network
Spain: Movistar+
Athletic Bilbao Team News & Predicted Lineup
Athletic enter this UCL 2025/26 group stage opener full of confidence. Ernesto Valverde has built a squad that thrives on pressing and high-intensity football.
Key players: Nico Williams, U.simon, Oihan Sancet
Injured: I.Lekue
Athletic Club Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | U. Simón |
| RB | J. Areso |
| CB | D. Vivian |
| CB | A. Paredes |
| LB | Y. Berchiche |
| CM | I. R. d. Galarreta |
| CM | M. Jauregizar |
| RW | I. Williams |
| AM | O. Sancet |
| LW | Á. Berenguer |
| ST | M. Sannadi |
Arsenal Team News & Predicted Lineup
Image – Liverpool.com (Official)
Mikel Arteta brings Arsenal into this fixture as clear favorites, but San Mamés is never an easy ground. The Gunners will rely on their young stars and depth to overcome injuries.
Key players: Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, E.Eze
Injury concerns: Zinchenko, Odegard,Jesus
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | D. Raya |
| RB | J. Timber |
| CB | C. Mosquera |
| CB | Gabriel |
| LB | M. Lewis-Skelly |
| CM | D. Rice |
| CM | M. Zubimendi |
| CM | E. Nwaneri |
| RW | N. Madueke |
| ST | V. Gyökeres |
| LW | E. Eze |
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record
This is a rare European meeting. Athletic and Arsenal have faced each other only twice in European history, with Arsenal edging past on aggregate. However, at San Mamés, Athletic Bilbao’s Champions League record at home shows they can upset giants — famously beating Manchester United in the Europa League.
Key Tactical Battles
- I Williams vs Timber
The Basque winger’s pace and creativity will test Arsenal’s right side.
- Declan Rice vs D.Galaretta
The midfield duel could decide who controls possession.
- Set-Pieces at San Mamés
Athletic’s aerial power has historically been their weapon, while Arsenal boast Saliba and Rice for defensive solidity.
Key Storylines
San Mamés return: Athletic Bilbao return to Champions League after 11 years vs Arsenal
Arteta’s homecoming: Facing a Basque rival is symbolic for the Arsenal coach.
Transfer spotlight: Robbert navarro audition vs Arsenal ahead of potential Premier League move.
Image – Athletic Club (Official)
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Prediction
This fixture will be tight and emotional. Athletic’s pressing and crowd energy could unsettle Arsenal, but the Gunners’ technical superiority should shine through.
Predicted Score: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Arsenal
Goals: E.Eze & Gyokeres (Arsenal), Iñaki Williams (Athletic)
Conclusion
Fans across the globe will be glued to this one. Whether you’re searching for Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live streaming India, TV channel USA, or predicted lineups and H2H history, this preview has you covered. Expect a fierce battle at San Mamés in what could be one of the standout fixtures of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 group stage.
Featured Image – Liverpool.com (Official)
FAQS
What time is Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal in India?
Where to watch Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live stream in USA?
By
