Arsenal retain top spot in Champions League with dominant win over Club Brugge

Score: Club Brugge 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal: Noni Madueke (25', 47'), Gabriel Martinelli (56')

Entering the match with only one true centre-back, Piero Hincapié, Mikel Arteta decided to use Christian Nørgaard as Jurrien Timber did not appear on the registration list. Rated higher, Arsenal naturally took control in the first half, with most of their attacks coming from the wings.

In the 24th minute, Arsenal opened the scoring through Noni Madueke. Receiving the ball on the right, the former Chelsea winger dribbled past two Brugge players and blasted the ball into the top-right corner. After conceding, Club Brugge tried to respond, but none of their efforts could beat David Raya. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Arsenal.

Just one minute into the second half, Arsenal doubled their lead. Once again starting from the wing, Madueke connected with a cross from Martín Zubimendi and headed the ball into the net for his second of the night. In the 55th minute, Gabriel Martinelli effectively ended the game with a cut-inside and a curling finish, extending the score to 3-0.

With a three-goal lead, Arsenal slowed the tempo. Arteta made several changes, giving key players such as Hincapié, Martin Ødegaard and Madueke some rest. Club Brugge failed to find a goal, and the match ended 3-0.

This victory gives Arsenal six wins from six in the league phase. The Gunners remain top with 18 points, three ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich. Arteta’s side have scored 17 goals and conceded only once as they head into their final two group matches against Inter Milan (January 21, 2026) and FC Kairat (January 29).

With a full month to prepare, Arsenal will now refocus on the Premier League, where they recently lost 1-2 to Aston Villa, allowing Man City to close the gap to just two points. Next up, Arsenal will face Wolves on December 14 and Everton on December 21.