Bold opening: Arsenal aim to cement a perfect Champions League record and push toward a top-eight finish, but the road through Brugge is trickier than it looks.
We’re set to solidify our place in the last 16 on Wednesday at 8pm UK time by preserving the competition’s only 100% record, as we face Club Brugge for the first time in Europe.
A win would extend a potential six-match winning streak in this season’s Champions League, a milestone we haven’t reached in a single campaign before. More immediately, triumph in Belgium would boost our tally to 18 points, two more than last season’s top-eight threshold, virtually guaranteeing we skip February’s playoff round.
Our opponents have new leadership since Ivan Leko took charge on Monday after a stretch of one win in seven across all competitions. Despite the upheaval, Brugge remain dangerous; they’ve endured just one defeat in their last seven home Champions League matches.
Big call in Brugge
On Monday, Brugge announced the departure of manager Nicky Hayen, in charge since March 2024, with Ivan Leko recruited from Gent to step in. Brugge’s domestic supremacy over the past three years slipped last term as Union Saint-Gilloise edged them to the title, and they currently sit five points behind the leaders. A 3-2 loss to Sint-Truiden on Saturday left them with three defeats in four league games, triggering Hayen’s exit and Leko’s return to club as both player and manager.
In Europe, Brugge have had moments of success: they defeated Salzburg and Rangers to reach the group stage and beat Monaco 4-1 in their Champions League opener. They then dropped away with losses to Atalanta and Bayern Munich on the road, but did lead Barcelona three times before finishing level at 3-3. A 3-0 defeat at Sporting Lisbon two weeks ago left them four points and 26th in the table.
What the managers say
Mikel Arteta: We want to keep building on the job we started in the first five games. Tomorrow presents a tough test against a strong opponent that has a new manager bringing fresh energy and ideas. We’ve prepared for that and must show again we’re at the top and better than Brugge in this game.
Ivan Leko: This is a huge challenge. We’re competing for the Champions League title and our squad is built to play good football. Emotionally, this is also my home; Brugge has always meant a lot to me. I won’t disrupt the balance—no revolutions—my focus is helping the players process this moment emotionally as well.
Team news
William Saliba remains sidelined as he nears a return from injury, while Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and Gabriel (thigh) are out. Declan Rice (illness) and Leandro Trossard (knock) also missed travel, and Max Dowman’s ankle injury led to Gabriel Jesus being included in the Champions League squad. Kai Havertz continues his knee rehabilitation.
Brugge have already lost goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to a groin injury; backup Jackers broke ribs recently, so Dani van den Heuvel remains the deputy. Romeo Vermant’s concussion absence is likely to end, with Ludovit Reis (shoulder) and Lynnt Audoor (muscle) doubts, and Zaid Romero nursing a back issue.
Talking tactics
Adrian Clarke notes Brugge have an impressive home goal tally in Europe this season, including three against Barcelona, so we should expect a threat. They tend to absorb pressure and strike on the break, with Carlos Forbs proving dangerous on the right. Only a few sides in the competition rely more on direct attacks.
Hans Vanaken is Brugge’s standout player: a 33-year-old Belgium international who, despite a tall frame, operates as a central No. 10 and has produced double-figure goals in 14 straight seasons. In Europe, he tops their chart for possessions won, interceptions, and chances created.
We should create chances; Brugge are the only side this season with more than 100 shots against them in Europe. They’ve leaked goals recently, shipping 13 in their last three outings.
Facts and stats
This is Arsenal’s first clash with Club Brugge in European competition, though we’ve faced Belgian sides before with mixed fortunes, including a 7-0 away win against Standard Liege in Cup Winners’ Cup history. Our away record against Belgian teams is strong, with a nine-match unbeaten run (W7 D2).
Arsenal have won six of their last seven away games in the Champions League. Brugge have conceded 24 goals in 11 CL games in 2025, and they’ve faced the joint-most shots on target (73) and the highest expected goals against (23.5) in the competition.
We’ve won our last nine Champions League group/league phase matches, totaling 27 goals scored and three conceded. Liverpool remains the only English side to string together 10 consecutive group wins (between Sept 2022 and Jan 2025).
Our xG is remarkably low this season (2.59 total), the smallest in the competition, and we’ve faced only nine shots on target. We’ve given up just five big chances, two fewer than any other team.
Individual notes: Carlos Forbs has a hand in six goals in six home European appearances across his Brugge spells (3 goals, 3 assists). Gabriel Martinelli has found the net in all four of his Champions League appearances this season. Bukayo Saka has contributed to 19 goals in 22 CL appearances, with a goal involvement in each of his last four away games in Europe.
Match officials
Referee Sven Jablonski (Germany) will take charge for the first time on Arsenal or Brugge. A Bundesliga regular for eight years, he joined FIFA’s list in 2022. He’s known for a clean record this season, with no red cards in 12 appointments and only one penalty awarded in his refereeing this season.
History with Belgian opponents
This is our first meeting with Brugge, but our track record against Belgian sides has been fruitful. Our early European history included a 4-2 aggregate loss to RFC Liege, a 4-3 aggregate win over Anderlecht to claim the Fairs Cup in 1970, and a memorable 7-0 away win against Standard Liege in 1994. Our latest Belgian clash came in 2019 against Standard Liege: young Gabriel Martinelli starred in a 4-0 home win, while Bukayo Saka assisted Lacazette and scored in the reverse fixture to salvage a 2-2 draw in the Europa League.
Live coverage
Live From N5 remains the go-to for live commentary on our men’s first-team fixtures for 2025/26. Tune in just before kick-off as Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke guide you through the action. For broadcast information in your region, check the official Arsenal page on how to watch Club Brugge v Arsenal live on TV.
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