Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was the standout performer in a tense Champions League opener, making a stunning double save from a penalty to secure a 0-0 draw against Atalanta on Thursday night.
The drama unfolded when Arsenal conceded a penalty after Thomas Partey fouled Atalanta’s Ederson in the box.
Mateo Retegui stepped up for the Italians but was denied by Raya, who dove to his right to stop the low shot.
In a remarkable display of agility, Raya then scrambled across the goal to block Retegui’s follow-up header, keeping the ball from crossing the line.
This moment defined an otherwise uneventful match in Bergamo, as neither side created many clear-cut chances.
Arsenal managed only two shots on target, both denied by Marco Carnesecchi, who saved Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and Thomas Partey’s rebound.
Despite Atalanta’s dominance in possession, they couldn’t find a breakthrough, with Raya’s heroics preserving the draw.
His save has already drawn comparisons to some of Arsenal’s greatest goalkeeping moments, notably David Seaman’s iconic stop against Sheffield United in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final.
Although both teams struggled to create attacking threats, Raya’s performance will boost Arsenal’s morale as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City.
