Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in Bergamo, thanks to David Raya’s incredible double save. After Thomas Partey fouled Ederson in the box, Mateo Retegui stepped up to take the penalty, but Raya dived the right way to block the shot. Even more impressively, Raya quickly jumped back up to stop Retegui’s follow-up header, helping Arsenal earn a valuable point.
Arsenal began the match well, with Bukayo Saka testing Atalanta’s goalkeeper, Marco Carnesecchi, early on. However, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta team proved difficult to break down, and Gabriel Martinelli missed a good chance in the second half. Despite the lack of clear chances, Arsenal managed to hold on for a draw against a tough opponent.
Mikel Arteta praised Raya’s performance, calling his saves some of the best he’s ever seen. Although Arteta admitted that Arsenal struggled to control the game at times, he was happy with the defensive effort. Raya expressed his gratitude to his goalkeeper coach, Inaki Cana, for helping him prepare for the penalty save and said he was determined to keep improving.
