Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya secured his side a hard-earned point with a sensational double save in a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday.
Spaniard Raya dived low to his right to beat out Mateo Retegui’s spot kick in the 51st minute then sprang across his goal to claw away the forward’s follow up header.
It was a gritty display by Mikel Arteta’s side who soaked up home pressure inside a raucous Stadio di Bergamo and occasionally looked dangerous at the other end.
The closest Arsenal came to scoring was a first-half free kick by Bukayo Saka that was saved well by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi while Gabriel Martinelli blasted over the crossbar in a rare Arsenal attack after the break.
Arsenal, without injured skipper Martin Ødegaard, were not at their best but made sure they returned to London with a point in the bag thanks to the exploits of Raya.
ESPN reports that Atalanta were handed the chance to go ahead when Thomas Partey tangled with Ederson on the edge of the area and the referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot.
After a lengthy VAR check, Retegui eventually took the kick but after a stuttering run, his low shot was read by Raya who then showed elastic-like agility to make the double-save.
“It was a very difficult game but I think we also made it difficult for them.
“A point away from home in the first Champions League game, we could have played a bit better but if you can’t win the game then don’t lose it,” Raya said.
Of his penalty save, he added, “I was lucky to go the right way and unlucky that the rebound fell to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save it. Fantastic to keep a clean sheet.”
It was the first ever clash between the sides with Atalanta having qualified for the competition by finishing fourth in Serie A last season, while they also won the Europa League.
While Atalanta will be frustrated at not beginning with a notable victory, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side showed that they will be a tough nut to crack in the group phase.
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