Raya's heroics help Arsenal secure a draw against Atalanta in the UCL opener

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya earned his side a hard-fought point with an incredible double save in a goalless stalemate away to Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday. 

The Spanish international dived low to his right to deny Mateo Retegui’s spot-kick goal in the 51st minute then leapt to beat out the forward’s follow-up header. 

It was a courageous display by the English club who soaked up home pressure inside a packed Stadio di Bergamo stadium and occasionally looked threatening at the other end. 

The closest the visitors came to scoring was a Bukayo Saka freekick that was pushed to safety by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesechhi.  Martinelli smashed one over the crossbar in a rare Arsenal attack after the break. 

The Gunners without their injured skipper Martin Ødegaard, were not at their lethal best but made sure they returned to London with a point in hand thanks to Raya. 

Atlanta was given a chance to take the lead when Thomas Patey tangled with Ederson on the edge of the box and the referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot. 

However, the hosts squandered the chance as Retegui kicked the ball low into the corner which was read by Raya who then made a fantastic double save. 

"It was a very difficult game but I think we also made it difficult for them, Raya said.

"A point away from home in the first Champions League game, we could have played a bit better but if you can't win the game then don't lose it."

On his penalty save, he added: "I was lucky to go the right way and unlucky that the rebound fell to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save it. Fantastic to keep a clean sheet."

This was the first-ever clash between the two sides with Atalatanta having qualified for the competition by finishing fourth in Serie A last season, while they also won the Europa League. 

While the Italian club will be agitated at not starting on a winning note, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team showed they will be a hard nut to crack in the group stage.