Arsenal can set new Champions League record by beating Athletic Club, Mikel Arteta would love it

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The Champions League is back for the 2025/26 season, and Arsenal have their sights on European glory this time around.

While last season’s Premier League campaign didn’t go to plan, there was progress made on the Champions League front.

There were many famous midweek nights for the Gunners to enjoy, most notably Arsenal beating Real Madrid over two legs in the quarter-final of the competition.

Mikel Arteta took his team all the way to the final four, but they were defeated by eventual winners PSG at that stage.

Now, Arsenal want to go one step further as they enter a new season with fresh hopes.

It all starts off with a trip to Spain, one that could bring about a new record on the European stage.

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Arsenal close to setting Champions League record for beating Spanish clubs

Arsenal’s history with the Champions League has been a mixed one over the years.

They are hoping to make it more memorable with a triumph of their own, starting with this season’s campaign.

Arsenal take on Athletic Club in their opening game of the league phase, in what is just the second time that the format will be played.

It won’t be the easiest of matches, as the Gunners aim to make a fast start to the Champions League, but there is one extra motivation.

If Arsenal beat Athletic Club, they will become the first team in European Cup or Champions League history to win six consecutive games against Spanish opposition.

Arsenal beat Real Madrid twice last season, while a win over Girona was joined by a double over Sevilla to reach the five-game mark.

It would be quite the impressive feat, given how much the Premier League clubs have struggled in taking on La Liga outfits over the years.

For Arteta, it’s an opportunity to stand atop European football with some history of his own.

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Arsenal set to make more history with first competitive meeting against Athletic Club

Even if Arsenal don’t win the match, then history will be made as the clash will be the first time they meet Athletic Club in competitive action.

The two teams did face off in the Emirates Cup over the summer, as they ramped up their pre-season preparations.

However, it’s a first opportunity for the two teams to meet in Champions League action.

It’s the first time that Athletic Club have been in the competition since 2014/15, which was also under current manager Ernesto Valverde.

The Spanish outfit have made their home ground quite the fortress, which will present some potential challenges to Arsenal on the night.