Atalanta vs. Arsenal: The Gunners played a goalless draw with Italian Serie A side, Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League match day 1.
David Raya made an incredible double save on Mateo Retegui’s penalty to help Arsenal secure the draw, with Atalanta threatening the Gunners more.
Apart from the double save, Raya did not make any significant save, with the Atalanta side having just two shots on target in the game.
🚨🚨 WHAT A DOUBLE SAVE FROM DAVID RAYA!pic.twitter.com/EwbbQeGU1U
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) September 19, 2024
Both teams were not clinical in front of goal because they could not score clear-cut chances in the game.
Atalanta Missed A Penalty In The Second Half Of The Game
Atalanta were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute of the match after Thomas Partey fouled Ederson in the box. The Italian side failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 51st minute with Raya pulling a double save.
The goalkeeper saved Mateo Retegui’s attempt by diving to the right and also saved the player’s follow-up attempt.
Raya is the fourth Arsenal goalkeeper to save a penalty in the Champions League for the club.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been impressive this season, conceding just one goal in five matches. If Raya continues with his present form, he is likely to win the Golden Glove.
Arsenal Had Only Two Attempts On Goal Against Atalanta In the Champions League
The Arsenal team were not clinical enough in the Champions League match against the Atalanta side.
The Gunners had their first attempt on target in the 18th minute from a Bukayo Saka’s free kick, and the second attempt came in the 74th minute via a Gabriel Martinelli’s shot.
What David Raya Said After He Saved A Penalty
In the post-match interview, Raya revealed what he thought about the game against Atalanta.
He said, “We know this is a tough place to come; they are a magnificent team and put a lot of pressure on us.”
“We made it very difficult for them as well; they did not create many chances, the penalty, and that’s it.”
“A point away from home in the first game of the Champions League, we could have played better, but I thought we managed the game well. We weren’t at our best, so if we cannot win the game, then let’s not lose it.”
Who Won the man of the match?
Spanish goalkeeper Raya was named the man of the match after his exceptional double saves in the second half. He has a rating of 8.55.
Atalanta and Arsenal’s Position On The Champions League Table After The Game?
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently in 16th place on the Champions League table with a point after the match. Atalanta, on the other hand, are in 18th place on the Champions League table.
What Next For Atalanta And Arsenal?
The Arsenal team will travel to the Etihad Stadium to play against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 4:30 pm.
The Atalanta team will play against Como in the Serie A on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 7:45 pm.
