David Raya stepped up for Arsenal in the Champions League on Thursday with an impressive double save from a penalty, celebrated by his teammates like a goal.
His performance helped maintain a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the first match of the tournament, showcasing his shot-stopping skills despite being known more for his ball-handling ability.
In the 51st minute, he dove to his right to block a penalty kick taken by Mateo Retegui after Thomas Partey fouled Ederson. Raya quickly recovered and managed to save a header from Retegui off the goal line after the ball came back to him.
“I was lucky to go the right way and save it,” Raya said. “I was unlucky to put the rebound straight to him, but I was quick enough to get up and save the rebound.
It is fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help the team at least get a point.”
Raya cheered loudly and was swarmed by his teammates in celebration. Earlier this season, he made a similar save against Ollie Watkins during a Premier League match against Aston Villa, helping Arsenal win 2-0.
This time, however, Mikel Arteta’s team couldn’t find the back of the net. The team has struggled with creativity due to captain Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury, which he suffered while playing for Norway during the international break.
Odegaard has “significant” ankle ligament damage and will be out for “a while,” Arteta said before the match against Atalanta.
Without Odegaard, Arsenal had a lackluster performance, managing only two shots on target and failing to score, following a 1-0 win against north London rival Tottenham where they only found a goal from a corner.
