Amazing Double Save nets Arsenal One Point

David Raya pulled off a stunning double save from a penalty to help Arsenal secure a draw in their Champions League opener against Atalanta.

The Spanish goalkeeper dived low to his right to stop Mateo Retegui's penalty and then miraculously scrambled across his goal to block the striker’s follow-up header on the line. This dramatic moment stood out in an otherwise lackluster match in Bergamo.

Chances were rare, with Raya not required to make any further significant saves beyond those few seconds of brilliance. Arsenal, meanwhile, struggled to create opportunities, failing to register a shot between the 18th and 75th minutes.

Like Atalanta, Arsenal's only two shots on target came from a single move. Marco Carnesecchi first tipped away Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and then denied Thomas Partey’s close-range effort.

The game appeared to turn in Atalanta’s favor when Partey clipped midfielder Ederson just inside the box, resulting in a penalty. After a lengthy VAR review, the decision stood.

Raya consulted Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach, Inaki Cana, during the delay, a discussion that proved invaluable. Retegui’s penalty was poorly struck, but Raya reacted well to stop it. The Italian striker’s rebound header seemed destined to cross the line, but Raya somehow managed to claw it out, reminiscent of David Seaman's legendary save against Sheffield United’s Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had expressed hopes of a deep Champions League run, and while this was not an ideal start, a point away to a strong Atalanta side—last season’s Europa League winners—remains a respectable result.

With Gabriel Jesus captaining the side in the absence of injured Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz in midfield, Arsenal created few clear chances. Saka and Havertz both had early efforts, and Gabriel Martinelli missed the target twice later on, but that was the extent of Arsenal's attacking threat.



Arsenal now turn their attention to a pivotal Premier League clash with Manchester City, hoping to continue their title challenge against Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.