Arsenal among favourites to win Champions League – Inaki Williams

Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams has tipped Arsenal as one of the leading contenders to lift this season’s UEFA Champions League trophy after Athletic Club’s 2-0 defeat to the Premier League side on Wednesday night.

Williams captained the Basque club in their first Champions League outing in more than a decade, spearheading a spirited display at San Mamés despite the final scoreline.

His side frustrated Mikel Arteta’s men for long stretches before succumbing to two second-half goals.

“The result doesn’t reflect the game; we played well,” Williams said afterwards. “Arsenal is one of the favourites in this competition; we fought and gave it our all.”

His remarks underscored the gulf in finishing quality rather than performance between the two clubs.

Arsenal’s bench strength proved decisive, with substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard combining for both goals to put the tie beyond Athletic Club’s reach.

For Williams, who has represented Ghana at international level while coming through Spain’s football system, the match was a reminder of the standard required to compete with Europe’s elite.

Athletic Club now turn their focus to their next Champions League fixture, seeking to convert their competitiveness into points after a promising if ultimately frustrating return to Europe’s top stage.