Sports
David Raya’s Heroics Earn Arsenal a Draw in Stalemate with Atalanta
David Raya’s remarkable double save from a penalty helped Arsenal secure a goalless draw in their Champions League opener against Atalanta. The Spanish goalkeeper was the star of the match, diving low to deny Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then miraculously recovering to block the striker’s follow-up header, keeping the Gunners level in Bergamo.
Outside of Raya’s moment of brilliance, the game lacked excitement, with neither side able to create clear opportunities. Arsenal went without a shot for nearly an hour, from the 18th to the 75th minute, while Atalanta struggled to capitalize on their home advantage.
Arsenal’s only real threat came late in the game, with Marco Carnesecchi pulling off a double save of his own, tipping away Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and then blocking Thomas Partey’s follow-up attempt. Both sides left the pitch with a point, but it was Raya’s heroics that ensured Arsenal’s Champions League campaign started on solid footing.