3 talking points ahead of Athletic Bilbao v Arsenal Champions League clash

The three main talking points as Arsenal travel to Spain for the first match of their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao tonight
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Max Dowman
Arsenal FC Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 | Harry Murphy/GettyImages

3. A potential record-breaking night for Max Dowman

Max Dowman could break two Champions League records this evening. If he comes on as a substitute, he will break the record as the youngest player to have ever played in the competition.

The current record belongs to Youssoufa Moukoko, who made his debut in 2020 for Borussia Dortmund at just 16 years and 18 days.

Dowman will have six opportunities to break the record before he turns 16-years-old on 31st December. Arteta has faith in Arsenal's emerging prodigy and promised the youngster would get chances this season. Whether that comes tonight in Bilbao or, as is more likely –at Port Vale next Tuesday night, is yet to be seen.

Furthermore, the youngster could break another record as the youngest starter in a Champions League match if he is thrown in tonight. That's probably unlikely but you wouldn't bet against it happening before the year is out.

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest starter, taking the field at 16 years and 68 days in 2023.