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September 20, 2024

Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal: David Raya, the hero, makes a miraculous double save and sees the Gunners take a point from the Champions League opener.

David Raya pulled off one of the most remarkable double saves in recent memory to help Arsenal secure a point in their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League opener against Atalanta in Bergamo. The game was short on quality chances, but Mateo Retegui had one unopposed from 12 yards on 52 minutes, only to see Raya save his penalty and then somehow spring up to repel the Italian’s headed rebound.

A memorable double save from goalkeeper David Raya rescued a point for Arsenal as they battled to a goalless draw against Atalanta in their UEFA Champions League opener.

A game with few chances will be remembered instead for Raya’s brilliant initial penalty stop, which denied Mateo Retegui before unbelievably saving the Italian’s close-range headed rebound.

The saves will have been a relief for Thomas Partey after he conceded the spot-kick for a foul on Brazilian midfielder Ederson.

Arsenal was largely cautious against an Atalanta side that knocked Liverpool out on its way to winning the UEFA Europa League last season.

Bukayo Saka went closest for the Gunners in the first half but saw his low free-kick saved by goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.

Substitute Raheem Sterling fed through Gabriel Martinelli in the second half, but the forward blazed his effort over.

David Raya reflected on Arsenal’s defensive display after the goalless draw, highlighting how Atalanta struggled to create clear chances throughout the match. “They didn’t create many chances, just the penalty and that’s it,” said Raya. “A point away from home, the first Champions League game.” His calm and assured display between the posts was pivotal in securing the draw.

“We weren’t at our best today. If we can’t win the game then we don’t lose it. It was a penalty, I was lucky to go the right way and save it.

“I was lucky to get the rebound. I was quick enough to get up and save the rebound.”

Arsenal’s next Champions League game is at home against Paris Saint-Germain in October. They face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Talking Point – Raya: Arsenal’s Last Line of Resilient Defense

Arsenal secured their fourth clean sheet in five competitive matches this season, with David Raya playing a pivotal role in maintaining their solid defensive record. Against an Atalanta side that won the Europa League last season, the Gunners rarely found themselves in danger at the back. However, a reckless moment from Thomas Partey almost proved costly when he fouled Ederson, dragging him down before clipping his heel inside the box.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Raya was ready to step up, saving Mateo Retegui’s penalty and somehow stopping the headed rebound in the match’s defining moment.

Player of the Match – David Raya (Arsenal)

David Raya was the standout performer for Arsenal, proving he will be a crucial figure in their quest for success this season, especially in tight matches. The 29-year-old, once a player for Southport in the National League, has quickly won over Arsenal fans with his heroics. After diving the right way to save Retegui’s penalty, he scrambled across goal to deny the follow-up header, sealing his status as the game’s decisive figure.

Player Ratings

Atalanta: Carnesecchi 7, Djimsiti 6, Hien 7, Kolasinac 7, Zappacosta 7, De Roon 6, Ederson 7, Ruggeri 6, De Ketelaere 6, Retegui 6, Lookman 7. Subs: Bellanova 6, Cuadrado 7, Pasalic 6, Samardzic 6.

Arsenal: Raya 8, White 6, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Timber 6, Rice 7, Partey 6, Havertz 6, Saka 6, Gabriel Jesus 7, Martinelli 6. Subs: Calafiori 6, Jorginho 6, Sterling 6, Trossard 6.

Match Highlights

• 14′ – SAKA DENIED BY GOALKEEPER: Bukayo Saka’s low free-kick was aimed for the bottom corner, but Carnesecchi tipped it away and quickly recovered to block Partey’s close-range rebound.

• 52′ – RAYA SAVES PENALTY: After VAR confirmed Partey’s foul on Ederson, Retegui stepped up to take the penalty. Raya guessed correctly, diving to his left, then sprang back up to deny Retegui’s header from the rebound.
• 67′ – CLOSE FROM CUADRADO: Substitute Juan Cuadrado cut inside and unleashed a shot that flashed just over Raya’s crossbar from outside the box.

74′ – MARTINELLI CHANCE: A slick through ball from Raheem Sterling set Gabriel Martinelli free on goal, but the forward fired his shot over the bar, missing Arsenal’s best chance of the second half.