Fri Sep 20 01:48:03 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Holds Atalanta to a 0-0 Draw in Champions League Opener
Arsenal secured a hard-fought point in their Champions League opener on Thursday, drawing 0-0 against Atalanta in a tense encounter at the Stadio di Bergamo. The Gunners, without injured captain Martin Ødegaard, were not at their best but held firm against a spirited Atalanta side.
The standout moment of the game was Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s sensational double save in the 51st minute. Raya dived low to his right to deny Mateo Retegui’s penalty kick and then reacted instantly to claw away the forward’s follow-up header.
“It was a very difficult game, but I think we also made it difficult for them,” said Raya after the match. “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.”
Arsenal’s best chance of scoring came in the first half when Bukayo Saka’s free kick was well saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. After the break, Gabriel Martinelli missed a rare Arsenal attack, blasting over the crossbar.
Atalanta, having earned their Champions League spot by finishing fourth in Serie A last season, were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Thomas Partey fouled Ederson just outside the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, Retegui stepped up to take the penalty, but his low shot was read perfectly by the agile Raya.
Despite the frustration of not securing a victory, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side showed they will be a formidable opponent in the group stage. The first-ever meeting between the two clubs ended in a stalemate, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling rematch later in the competition.
First Piper 