Arsenal maintained their perfect Champions League record with a 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in Belgium, thanks to a brace from Noni Madueke and a goal from Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners, despite several absences due to injuries and rotation, dominated the match to claim their sixth straight win in the competition. Madueke's standout performance highlighted Arsenal's squad depth as they remain top of the standings.
Arsenal travelled to the Jan Breydelstadion on December 10, 2025, aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League league phase. Despite a recent 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa and injuries to players like Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Arteta's side fielded a rotated lineup including Christian Norgaard at center-back and Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.
The visitors started strongly, with Martin Odegaard forcing an early save from Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Noni Madueke picked up the ball just inside the opposition half, drove forward, and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.
Club Brugge responded with pressure before halftime. Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who made crucial saves to preserve the lead. The Belgian side, under new coach Ivan Leko following Nicky Hayen's sacking, had their best chance when Stankovic was sent through but was denied low by Raya.
Arsenal extended their advantage two minutes into the second half. Martin Zubimendi delivered a cross from the left, and Madueke rose unmarked at the back post to head home his second goal. Nine minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win, cutting inside from the left and curling a right-footed shot into the top corner from the edge of the area—his fifth goal in five consecutive Champions League appearances.
Gabriel Jesus made his return from an 11-month knee injury as a second-half substitute, striking the crossbar in the 79th minute. Sixteen-year-old Marli Salmon also debuted late on. Post-match, Madueke said: “The first goal was really nice... I think we can win this competition and win the league.” The result leaves Arsenal top of the table with six wins from six, all but securing a direct round-of-16 spot.
