Raya heroics save Arsenal in Champions League opener at Atalanta

David Raya's goalkeeping heroics ensured that Arsenal were only held to a goalless draw at Atalanta on Thursday in a tough start to their campaign in the revamped Champions League.

Mikel Arteta's side left Bergamo with a point after a low-key performance in a red-hot atmosphere at the refurbished Gewiss Stadium.

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The Premier League side would likely have been defeated had goalkeeper Raya not pulled off an astonishing double save to stop Mateo Retegui from netting first from the penalty spot and then on the rebound early in the second half.

"It's just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it," Raya told TNT Sports.

"I was unlucky to give the rebound straight back to him but I was quick enough to get up and save it.

"It's fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team to get a point."

Missing Martin Odegaard to a serious ankle injury suffered on international duty with Norway, Arsenal were largely solid but lacked imagination going forward and after having an early spell of dominance never looked like winning.

On Sunday, Arsenal head to league title rivals Manchester City, where they will need a brighter display than the one they put in on Thursday in northern Italy.

Europa League holders Atalanta had the better of a tight game which featured little goalmouth action and will be encouraged by their efforts in their first Champions League match since being dumped out at the group stage in 2021.

"We're all with Mateo, he can't think too much about that penalty miss," said Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi to Sky in Italy.

"He's a brilliant player and great guy, we're very happy with a good point gained against a great team."

UEFA