Arsenal FC - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 3-0 to Arsenal FC in their final pre-season friendly. The Londoners, who have a squad packed with genuine world-class stars, showcased their attacking might with goals from Viktor Gyökeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz to lift the 2025/26 Emirates Cup.

Athletic started bravely and could have taken the lead with a via an Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta effort from the edge of the box, but David Raya made a good save. Saka made his presence felt time and time again down the right wing, but Unai Simón was solid in goal.

After 20 minutes, Unai Gómez asked to be substituted after feeling discomfort in the back of his left leg and Robert Navarro took his place. Arsenal began to dominate in Athletic's half of the pitch and Gyokeres scored the first goal in the 34th minute, heading in a precise cross from the right wing. Saka made it 2-0 after a quick counter-attack two minutes later.

In the second half, the pace of the game slowed down and there were few chances for either side. Ernesto Valverde brought on fresh legs, but it was the English side who scored again. Kai Havertz went on a great run, shaking off Zurigorri defenders efforts to stop him before firing past Simón.

The pre-season is over. There are no more warm-ups left. Now it's time to focus on next Sunday's season opener against Sevilla at San Mames. 

The real competition is about to begin. See you soon at The Cathedral