Gabriel Martinelli has carved his name into Arsenal’s history books after scoring in the club’s commanding 3-0 victory over Club Brugge on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (11 December 2025).
The Brazilian forward opened the scoring with a brilliant long-range strike before Noni Madueke added a brace to seal the win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
But beyond the three points, Martinelli’s goal marked a milestone: he is now the first Arsenal player ever to score in five consecutive Champions League matches—a record no Gunners legend had previously achieved.
Five-Match Scoring Streak: A New Arsenal Benchmark
Martinelli’s historic run began several weeks ago and includes goals against:
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Athletic Bilbao
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Olympiakos
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Atletico Madrid
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Bayern Munich
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Club Brugge
In the opening match against Bilbao, he also contributed an assist after coming on from the bench, signaling the start of an exceptional Champions League campaign.
Although the 24-year-old missed Arsenal’s trip to Slavia Prague in November due to injury, his scoring output in Europe has skyrocketed this season. He now has nine goals in 24 Champions League matches, more than double his previous total.
Martinelli has long been touted as one of Arsenal’s brightest attacking talents, but this year he has stepped fully into the spotlight on the biggest stage of European football.
Surpassing Arsenal Legends: Wright and Henry Left Behind
With his latest strike, Martinelli becomes just the third Arsenal player ever to score in five straight matches in a major European competition, joining—yet surpassing—two legendary names:
- Ian Wright – 1994/95 Cup Winners’ Cup
Wright set an extraordinary record by scoring in eight consecutive European matches, leading Arsenal to the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup. His run carried the team to a dramatic final, where they ultimately fell in extra time to Real Zaragoza.
- Thierry Henry – 1999/2000 UEFA Cup
Five years later, Henry replicated the feat in the UEFA Cup, scoring in six consecutive matches from the Round of 32 second leg against Nantes to the semi-final second leg versus Lens. Arsenal again reached the final but were defeated by Galatasaray in a penalty shootout.
Martinelli’s current streak places him in elite company—yet with a crucial difference: he is the first to achieve this record in the UEFA Champions League, the highest tier of European competition.
Ending Arsenal’s European Curse? Martinelli Hopes So
While Wright and Henry both led Arsenal to European finals but fell just short of lifting the trophy, Martinelli hopes his goals can help break the curse.
Speaking after the match, he emphasized his ambition to push Arsenal toward long-awaited continental glory.
Arsenal have not reached a Champions League final since 2006, and despite consistent progress under Arteta, silverware at the European level remains the missing piece of the project.
Martinelli could equal Henry’s six-match streak if he scores again in Arsenal’s next Champions League fixture—an intriguing duel against Inter Milan on 20 January.
To match Wright’s record of eight consecutive European scoring appearances, Martinelli must extend his hot form deep into the knockout rounds.
One More Phase League Match Ahead
Before heading into the knockout phase, Arsenal still have another fixture in the Phase League: a home match against Kairat from Kazakhstan next month.
Arsenal have dominated their Phase League campaign so far, winning all six matches and sitting atop the standings with a perfect 18 points. Their flawless record puts them in an ideal position to qualify directly for the Champions League Round of 16 without needing to go through the additional play-off round.
With confidence soaring and momentum building, Arsenal appear poised to make a serious challenge in this season’s tournament.
Martinelli’s Evolution Under Arteta Reaches New Heights
Martinelli’s rapid growth mirrors Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta. Once viewed as a raw engine of energy and pressing, the Brazilian has now refined his finishing, decision-making, and positional play to become one of the club’s most impactful forwards.
His ability to perform consistently in high-pressure European matches also signals his transformation from a promising prospect into a true Champions League performer.
Arteta himself has praised Martinelli’s maturity and work ethic, highlighting his desire to improve and his relentless energy both in and out of possession.
What Comes Next?
Arsenal’s Champions League dreams appear brighter than they have in years, and Martinelli is at the heart of their resurgence. If he continues his scoring streak, he not only has a chance to equal or surpass iconic Arsenal records, but also to guide the Gunners into territory they have never conquered before: winning the Champions League.
For now, Arsenal fans can celebrate the arrival of a new star in their European history—a player whose name now sits alongside Wright and Henry, and who may yet write an even more remarkable chapter for the club.
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