Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya secured a hard-fought point for his team with a sensational double save in the 0-0 draw with Atalanta in their opening Champions League match on Thursday.
In the 51st minute, Spaniard Raya dived low to the right to save Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then leapt across his goal to save the striker’s subsequent header.
It was a courageous performance from Mikel Arteta’s team, who withstood the pressure of the home side in the loud roar of the Stadio di Bergamo and occasionally looked dangerous at the other end.
Arsenal came closest to scoring in the first half through a Bukayo Saka free-kick which was well saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, while Gabriel Martinelli fired the ball over the bar in a rare Arsenal attack after the break.
Arsenal, who were without injured captain Martin Ødegaard, were not at their best but returned to London with a point thanks to Raya’s performance.
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Atalanta had the chance to take the lead when Thomas Partey clashed with Ederson on the edge of the penalty area and referee Clement Turpin pointed to the penalty spot.
After a lengthy VAR review, Retegui finally took the shot, but after a bumpy run his low shot was read by Raya, who then showed springy agility and made two saves.
“It was a very difficult game, but I think we made it difficult for them too,” said Raya.
“One point away from home in the first Champions League game. We could have played a little better, but if you can’t win the game, you can’t lose it either.”
He added of his penalty save: “I was lucky to run in the right direction and unlucky that the rebound fell to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save it. It was fantastic not to concede.”
It was the first meeting between the two teams, with Atalanta qualifying for the competition by finishing fourth in Serie A last season and also winning the Europa League.
While Atalanta will be frustrated at not being able to start the campaign with a notable win, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side showed that they will be a tough nut to crack in the group stages.
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.
