Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal: David Raya the hero as miraculous double save sees Gunners take point from Champions League opener

Updated 19/09/2024 at 21:41 GMT

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.

Arsenal, David Raya.

Image credit: Getty Images

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 of 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.

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Arsenal were largely cautious against an Atalanta side who knocked Liverpool out on their 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.

“They didn’t create many chances, just the penalty and that’s it,” said Raya after the goalless draw. “A point away from home, the first Champions League game.

“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 on October. They face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Talking Point – Raya is Arsenal’s last line of stubborn defence

Arsenal recorded their fourth clean sheet from five competitive games this season.

Facing an Atalanta side who won Europa League honours last season the Gunners rarely looked in trouble at the back.

However, a moment of madness from Partey almost cost them, dragging at Ederson before clipping the Brazilian’s heel inside the box.

Raya was on hand to save his side, denying Retegui’s penalty before somehow keeping out the headed rebound.

Player of the Match - David Raya (Arsenal)

The Arsenal goalkeeper will be a key cog to his side’s success this season if they are to narrowly win matches.

The 29-year-old, who once played for Southport in the National League, has become a firm favourite at the Emirates.

After diving the right way to deny Retegui’s penalty he then scrambled across goal to deny the rebound.

Play 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: Saka hits a low free-kick which is driven low towards the bottom corner. However, Carnesecchi tips it away and is then up quickly to deny the rebound by Partey from close range.

52- RAYA SAVES PENALTY: Ederson is tugged as he charges inside the box by Partey before the Arsenal man leaves his foot in and the Brazilian goes down.

After a lengthy VAR check the decision stands and Retegui steps up. Raya guesses right down to his left and then the Arsenal goalkeeper gets up to deny the rebound header from Retegui.

67 - CLOSE BY CUADRADO: Cutting inside his man outside the box Cuadrado shows why he has been brought on as a substitute. He flashes his effort just over Raya’s crossbar.

74 - MARTINELLI CHANCE: A nice through ball from substitute Sterling releases Martinelli through on goal. However, his effort is fired over the bar. It’s the best chance Arsenal have had this half.