Arsenal Set For Unique Kit Combination In Champions League Opener Against Athletic Club

Arsenal are gearing up for just their third UEFA Champions League campaign under Mikel Arteta, yet the Gunners already look like seasoned contenders on Europe’s biggest stage.

Once a fixture at the competition’s top table during Arsène Wenger’s reign, Arsenal endured a long exile after their decline in the mid-2010s. A humiliating home defeat to Bayern Munich was one of the last memories before their six-year absence. However, a stunning Premier League title push in 2022/23 marked their long-awaited return.

Since then, Arteta has guided his side to quarterfinal and semifinal appearances, proving that the North Londoners can once again compete with Europe’s elite. With a bold and aggressive summer transfer window strengthening the squad, many expect Arsenal to launch another deep run in the 2025/26 Champions League campaign.

A Rare Kit Twist In Bilbao

Arsenal kick off their league phase away at Athletic Club on Tuesday evening, but supporters will notice something unusual about their attire.

The Gunners are set to debut their new navy away kit in the Basque Country. However, they won’t be allowed to pair the shirt with its traditional navy shorts and socks. UEFA’s strict kit clash regulations determined that Athletic’s black shorts and socks clash too heavily with Arsenal’s navy.

As a result, Arsenal will instead wear alternate silver shorts and socks, creating a striking look that fans will find unfamiliar.

History Repeating Itself?

This isn’t the first time Arsenal have had to mix and match on the European stage. Supporters with long memories will recall the Gunners donning white shorts and socks with their navy O2 away shirt at the Stadio Olimpico in November 2002. On that night, Thierry Henry scored a famous hat-trick in a 3–1 victory over Roma.

While Arteta’s men won’t be banking on superstition, the unique kit switch in Bilbao could bring back echoes of that memorable European night.