The Spaniard dove low to his right to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and managed to scramble across the goal to clear the striker’s follow-up header off the line.
That moment was the highlight of an otherwise uneventful match in Bergamo.
Chances were scarce, with Raya not required to make any other saves aside from that quick sequence.
Arsenal, on the other hand, went without a single shot from the 18th to the 75th minute.
Like Europa League champions Atalanta, the Gunners recorded only two shots on target, both leading to the double save.
Marco Carnesecchi successfully tipped away Bukayo Saka’s free-kick and blocked Thomas Partey’s follow-up effort.
It seemed like Arsenal was losing control of the game when Thomas Partey fouled defensive midfielder Ederson on the edge of the box, leading to a penalty being awarded after a lengthy VAR check.
During the wait, Raya spoke with Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach, fellow Spaniard Inaki Cana, who he also worked with at Brentford. Whatever they discussed clearly made an impact.
Retegui’s penalty wasn’t the best, but Raya did well to dive to his right and deny it. The Italy striker should have easily scored with the rebound as he aimed for an open net, but to everyone’s surprise, Raya managed to get across just in time to prevent the ball from fully crossing the line.
This remarkable save will be remembered alongside legendary saves, such as Arsenal icon David Seaman’s against Sheffield United’s Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final.
A fair point, perhaps even a good one
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had previously expressed his hope for the club to make a deep run in the competition this year. This match was significant for Arsenal, coming in a crucial week that includes Premier League clashes against rivals Tottenham and champions Manchester City.
With the new Champions League format, it’s hard to determine the importance of early results, but a point against Atalanta—a quality team and last season’s Europa League winners—is a respectable outcome.
Gabriel Jesus led the attack and captained Arsenal, while Kai Havertz played in midfield, filling in for regular captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with injury.
The match lacked clear scoring opportunities, aside from the double saves. Saka and Havertz both had attempts in the first six minutes, and Gabriel Martinelli lifted two shots over the bar later on, marking the only chances for Arteta’s side.
Arsenal now looks ahead to a crucial match against title rivals City on Sunday, aiming to finally secure a win against Pep Guardiola’s side in the race for the Premier League trophy.
