$1,500
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign begins on Tuesday when they take on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. After last season’s impresssive campaign, the belief is growing that Arsenal are genuine contenders to finally lift the Champions League under Mikel Arteta. After ending their seven-year absence from the tournament, the Gunners reached the quarter-finals in 2024 and the semi-finals in 2025.
As a result, Arsenal will enter the competition with confidence. The Guners have started strongly in the Premier League, taking nine points from their first four matches. On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao are making only their third appearance in the Champions League since 1992. Athletic have also started their La Liga season strongly with nine points from four games.
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Athletic Bilbao: +290, Arsenal: -110 | Draw: +240 |
| Draw No Bet | Athletic Bilbao: +175 | Arsenal: -250 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5: -102 | Under 2.5: -135 |
| Athletic Bilbao to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +625 | No: +525 |
| Arsenal to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +300 | No: +210 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
Athletic Bilbao’s start to the La Liga campaign highlighted their potential, with three straight wins against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis. But the international break disrupted their rhythm as they stumbled to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Alaves. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be motivated to bounce back and make their mark in Europe’s top competition.
Notably, this will be the first competitive meeting between Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao. The two teams did face each other in this summer’s Emirates Cup where Arteta’s Arsenal coasted to a 3-0 win over Athletic in London. While Tuesday’s clash is likely to be far more competitive, Arsenal’s recent European pedigree will make them firm favourites here.
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A low-scoring contest could be on the cards when Athletic Bilbao host Arsenal, which makes under 2.5 goals @ -135 an appealing play. Arsenal have struggled to break down disciplined sides such as Manchester United (1-0 win) and Liverpool (1-0 loss). Their attack has looked ruthless against weaker opposition, but when facing organized defenses, the Gunners’ games have often produced fewer chances.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are without their talisman Nico Williams due to an adductor injury, leaving their frontline lacking its usual spark. Their recent fixtures also point toward low-scoring affairs, with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and a 1-0 loss to Alaves underlining their tendency to grind out narrow results. As a result, this is likely to be a game with limited scoring opportunities.
After a slow start to the campaign, Viktor Gyokeres has hit his stride, netting three goals in his last four matches. The Swedish striker looks increasingly confident and sharp in front of goal, making him a strong candidate to get on the scoresheet once again.
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Even with key players missing – Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz – Arsenal barely broke sweat in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Despite being without creative stars, Mikel Arteta’s side still boast plenty of attacking quality. The Gunners look well-positioned to open their Champions League campaign with a professional and clinical away victory.
Final Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this exciting clash.
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