Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, thanks to late goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Last season’s semi-finalists were tested at San Mamés, where Athletic—back in Europe’s elite competition after 11 years—made a lively start before fading in the final stages.

Mikel Arteta’s men, missing Bukayo Saka among others, relied on a resilient defensive display before their attacking depth made the difference. Martinelli broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, scoring less than a minute after replacing Eberechi Eze, latching onto Trossard’s pass and finishing coolly under Unai Simón. The Brazilian then turned provider, cutting back for Trossard to double the lead in the 87th minute with a deflected strike.

Athletic, fielding an XI full of Champions League debutants including Inaki Williams, threatened early on with Alejandro Berenguer and Williams both going close. At the other end, new signing Viktor Gyökeres twice came close before Martinelli’s introduction shifted the momentum.

Arsenal’s summer reinforcements again proved decisive, with Christian Nørgaard and Piero Hincapié also handed debuts late on. The result gave Arteta’s side a winning start in Group Stage play as they chase their first Champions League crown