Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live: where to watch the 2025/26 Champions League opener at San Mamés

The ball is rolling at San Mamés Stadium for the clash between Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal, marking the start of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase. This new structure, adopted by the European body, features 36 teams in a single league with eight matches each, replacing the traditional group stage and promising more balance from the first whistle. The tournament, distributing over 2 billion euros in prize money, highlights matches like this to define early standings.

Athletic Bilbao, fourth in the previous LaLiga, returns to Europe’s elite after a decade, while Arsenal aims to surpass last season’s semifinal. Kicking off at 1:45 PM Brasília time, the game draws global attention by uniting Basque tradition and London ambition.

• The top eight advance directly to the round of 16, while positions 9 to 24 enter playoffs.
• Each team plays four home and four away matches, with a draw ensuring opponent variety.
• UEFA prioritizes sustainability, with schedules adjusted to reduce carbon emissions from travel.

This setup heightens the importance of each match, turning the tournament into a competitive marathon from September 16.

Broadcast options ensure global access

Fans worldwide tune into the match across multiple platforms, ensuring broad coverage for the ongoing game. In Brazil, TNT Sports airs it live on cable TV, with high-definition signal and Portuguese commentary. Streaming platforms like HBO Max offer online access, enabling viewing on mobile devices or smart TVs without interruptions.

Globally, the match reaches audiences via Paramount+ in the US, with English and Spanish options through UniMás and TUDN. In the UK, TNT Sports and Discovery+ broadcast the event, while DAZN covers Canada. These services, with monthly subscriptions starting at 20 dollars, include replays and post-match analysis.

• HBO Max in Brazil: basic subscription at R$29.90 monthly, with a seven-day free trial.
• Paramount+ in the US: essential plan at $5.99, focused on European sports.
• TNT Sports in the UK: bundled package at 30 pounds, with access to all Champions League games.

Digital accessibility democratizes the tournament, allowing fans to follow live action from any location.

Starting lineups reveal early strategies

Ernesto Valverde sets up Athletic Bilbao with a focus on defensive solidity, fielding Unai Simón in goal, followed by Andoni Gorosabel, Aitor Paredes, Dani Vivian, and Adama Boiro in defense. In midfield, Mikel Vesga and Mikel Jauregizar control the tempo, while Iñaki Williams, Robert Navarro, Oihan Sancet, and Álex Berenguer form a fast-paced attack. Absences like Nico Williams due to a muscle injury force adjustments, but the Basque side bets on home support to press from the start.

Mikel Arteta counters with David Raya in goal, a defense of Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera, and Riccardo Calafiori. Declan Rice anchors midfield alongside Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi, with Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres up front. Absences like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz limit options, but the squad’s depth allows fluid rotations during the 90 minutes.

• Athletic Bilbao prioritizes counterattacks, with Williams exploiting speed on the wings.
• Arsenal dominates possession, with Rice recovering 70% of duels in recent games.
• Both teams test new signings, like Gyökeres, who scored three goals in the early Premier League.

These starting lineups, confirmed minutes before kickoff, set a tactical balance at the packed San Mamés.

Tournament offers record prizes and visibility

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League raises the financial stakes, with each club guaranteed at least 15.6 million euros for participating in the league phase. Wins earn 2.1 million each, draws 700,000, and performance bonuses add up to 40% of the total fund. Athletic Bilbao, as LaLiga’s fourth-placed team, receives ranking bonuses, while Arsenal, a previous semifinalist, benefits from higher coefficients.

The expanded format includes teams from smaller leagues but keeps the focus on giants like these, broadcast in over 200 territories. UEFA invests in technology, such as enhanced VAR and chipped balls for precise tracking, improving the viewing experience at home.

• Round of 16 prize: 11 million euros, scaling to 20.5 million for the final.
• UEFA ranking: Arsenal at 8th, Bilbao at 25th, influencing 10% of the prize pool.
• Sustainability: 30% reduction in flights, with local times to minimize jet lag.

These elements reinforce the tournament as the world’s most prestigious club competition, with economic impact beyond the pitch.

Early moments build tension at San Mamés

The first half progresses with Arsenal controlling possession, but Athletic Bilbao responds with high pressing and quick transitions. At five minutes, Iñaki Williams tests Raya with a cross-shot, forcing a solid save. The Gunners circulate the ball through midfield with Rice, but Vivian intercepts key passes, keeping the score at zero.

At 15 minutes, a foul by Jauregizar near the box creates tension, but Eze’s free kick goes over. The stadium pulses with Basque chants, pressuring the visitors who respond with crosses from Calafiori. The physical pace reflects tactical preparations, with few shots by the 20-minute mark.

• Possession: 56% for Arsenal, but Bilbao recovers 12 balls in the attacking half.
• Shots on target: One each, with Simón and Raya yet to face intense work.
• Fouls: Seven total, concentrated in midfield to halt counterattacks.

This early phase highlights the tournament’s intensity, where every possession can shape the match’s outcome.

Historical matchups favor balance

Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal meet for the first time in official competitions, but a recent preseason friendly ended 3-0 for the Gunners, with goals from Gyökeres, Saka, and Havertz. At San Mamés, the Basques, unbeaten at home against English sides since 2014, record three draws and two wins in five European clashes. Arsenal, with six straight wins over Spanish teams in the Champions League, aims to extend the streak.

Valverde, with a Europa League semifinal record, emphasizes the home factor, while Arteta, born in the Basque region, knows the terrain. These elements add layers to the live match, where traditions collide for crucial points.

• August friendly: Arsenal dominated with 62% possession and 15 shots.
• Bilbao at home in Champions: Average of 1.8 goals per game over the last decade.
• Arsenal away: Four wins in six recent European trips.

This official debut fuels narratives, with the tournament rewarding adaptable teams from the first clash.

Pre-game preparation integrates new European format

Before kickoff, Athletic Bilbao trained transitions on San Mamés’ synthetic turf, simulating Arsenal’s high press. Valverde highlighted the crowd as a differentiator, with 53,000 seats filled. The Basques, after a LaLiga draw, adjust for the Champions League’s dense schedule, with eight games until January.

Arsenal, unbeaten in four Premier League matches, prioritized recovery in London, with Arteta testing Gyökeres in pivots. The 1,200 km trip balances fatigue, but the deep squad allows management. Both teams adapt to the new format, focusing on efficiency to climb the unified table.

• Basque training: Emphasis on set pieces, accounting for 40% of home goals.
• Arsenal video sessions: Analysis of 20 Bilbao games, targeting flank weaknesses.
• Bilbao weather: 18°C and sunny, ideal for fluid football.

This meticulous groundwork supports the ongoing flow, where strategies unfold live.

Lithuanian refereeing ensures match flow

Donatas Rumsas, a Lithuanian referee with 15 UEFA matches, oversees the game with local assistants and Dutch VAR. At 25 minutes, a review for a potential penalty on Gyökeres upholds the initial call, avoiding controversy. The match records 12 fouls, with yellow cards for Berenguer and Calafiori for intense challenges.

Rumsas, known for physical control, allows flow with 55 effective minutes in the first half. The 2025/26 VAR system, with semi-automated offside, ensures precision in tight calls.

• VAR interventions: Two so far, on handballs and offsides.
• Fouls per team: Six each, balancing penalties.
• Stoppage time: 38%, due to reviews and hydration breaks.

This professional handling keeps the focus on the teams’ merit during the tournament.

Early audience breaks engagement records

The live match registers viewership peaks on digital platforms, with HBO Max reporting 1.5 million simultaneous streams in Brazil. Globally, UEFA.com delivers real-time stats to 10 million users, while streaming apps capture social media interactions. Searches for “Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal live” surge 300% on Google.

Channels like TNT Sports integrate analysis panels, enhancing immersion for viewers. The tournament, with rights sold to 185 countries, reinforces its media dominance from minute one.

• HBO Max views: 500,000 in the first quarter, growing exponentially.
• Social interactions: 3 million mentions, driven by early plays.
• Radio coverage: Stations like Rádio FNC broadcast on shortwave for remote areas.

This reach amplifies the Champions League’s impact, connecting fans in real time.