Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya earned his side a deserved point with a sensational double save in the 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday.

Spaniard Raya dived low to his right to save Mateo Retegui’s penalty in the 51st minute, then leaped in front of goal to stop the striker’s header.

It was a spirited display from Mikel Arteta’s team, who withstood the pressure from the home side in the crowded Stadio di Bergamo and even looked dangerous at times at the other end.

The closest Arsenal came to scoring came in the first half when Bukayo Saka took a free-kick that was well saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. Gabriel Martinelli also fired the ball over the bar after the break in a rare Arsenal attack.

Arsenal, without injured captain Martin Ødegaard, did not play at their best, but returned to London with a point thanks to Raya’s performance.

Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

---

Atalanta had a chance to take the lead when Thomas Partey hit Ederson on the edge of the penalty area and referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot.

After a lengthy VAR check, Retegui eventually took the kick, but after a hesitant run his low shot was spotted by Raya, who then saved the ball twice with his elastic agility.

“It was a very difficult match, but I think we made it difficult for them too,” said Raya.

“A point away in the first Champions League match. We could have played a bit better, but if you can’t win the match, you shouldn’t lose it either.”

Speaking about his penalty save, he said: “I was lucky to go the right way and unlucky that the rebound came to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save the ball. Fantastic to keep a clean sheet.”

It was the first ever clash between the two teams. Atalanta qualified for the competition by finishing fourth in Serie A last season and also won the Europa League.

While Atalanta will be frustrated not to have started with a notable win, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team showed in the group stage that they will be a tough nut to crack.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.