With goals from Martinelli and Saka, Arsenal defeated Olympiacos 2-0 in the second round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. Arteta said that Ødegaard was very positive in his performance, constantly helping his teammates to appear in key positions and creating many opportunities.

Odegaard made a through ball in the 12th minute, Dzekeres received it and shot low but the ball hit the post. Martinelli then made a follow-up shot and scored, helping Arsenal take the lead 1-0.

In the 66th minute of the second half, Ayub Kaabi headed the ball but was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Then Chiquinho scored with a follow-up shot, but after the intervention of VAR, it was stated that Ayub Kaabi was offside before, so the goal was invalid.

In the second half stoppage time, Odegaard passed the ball into the penalty area, and Saka volleyed the ball into the net. In the end, Arsenal defeated Olympiacos 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal manager Arteta said: "Zekeres gave an incredible performance. In addition to scoring goals, I think he did everything we asked a striker to do, including his tacit understanding with his teammates, his ability to open up space and his ability to constantly threaten the opponent's defense. He actually had three or four good chances to score in this game, so the goal will come sooner or later."

"Ødegaard was really good and his performance was outstanding. He controlled the game in a very positive way, constantly created chances and put his teammates in good positions in front of goal on many occasions. Overall, his last two games, including the 15 minutes against Newcastle and his performance in this game, have been excellent."

Arteta also said, "I think we started the game very well. We were fast and aggressive and created several great opportunities, but we didn't secure the victory as soon as possible. After that, the opponent basically needed David Raya to make a very crucial save when he entered the penalty area for the first time. Then we had a period of complete control of the game, but there were also some moments that played relatively flat."

“I think it was due to the energy we had used up against Newcastle a few days before, and you could feel it in some of the players. Luckily, the players who came on as substitutes increased the tempo again and had an impact, making us calmer and more dangerous again. In the end, Saka scored the goal that sealed the game.”