A phenomenal double save by David Raya from a penalty taken by Mateo Retegui rescued Arsenal (0-0) in Bergamo. It was a standout intervention in a gritty match against Atalanta, where there was no clear dominant side, ending in a goalless draw thanks to the Spanish goalkeeper.

Raya was clearly the hero of the night in Bergamo. His double save influenced the game. With an extraordinary intervention, he stopped the penalty and the rebound, frustrating Retegui and dashing Atalanta's hopes. This gave Arsenal a boost, though they too were unable to break through the Italian defense in a lackluster performance from both teams.

Atalanta returned to the Champions League three years later with great expectations, as Europa League champions and at home. They faced an Arsenal team competing with Manchester City in England but still seeking that continental confirmation. The match ended up in a grey area, far from the anticipated spectacle. There was much respect, few chances, and less accuracy—except from Raya—in a game between two of Europe's most modern football teams.

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The Gasperini versus Arteta clash, a generational duel on the bench with two attractive, proactive, and stylish football models, turned out to be a grey area where neither team could express themselves as usual. They neutralized each other in attack and defense, with neither side gaining a prolonged upper hand.

The 'Gunners' started better, looking more settled on the pitch. Carnesecchi's double save in the 13th minute confirmed positive feelings for the North London side. A free kick by Saka, extremely close to the post, forced the Italian goalkeeper into a crucial save. In the rebound, Thomas Partey was the first to reach the ball, forcing another save from the goalkeeper to keep Arsenal in the game.

Far from intimidating the Italian side, that clear double chance spurred the "Dea" on. They responded progressively but steadily, eventually being slightly superior in the first 45 minutes. They had a clear chance with Charles De Ketelaere, who, after a great combination with Retegui, missed his shot from the right side of the area.

In the second half, Atalanta maintained their slight superiority, taking advantage of a lapse from Partey and a great move by Ederson to earn a penalty for a virtually nonexistent contact.

The VAR reviewed the action but did not overturn the referee's decision. Retegui took responsibility, unaware it would be his downfall that night, as Raya turned into a giant. He became the hero, guessing the intentions and saving the shot to his right. He then quickly got up to save the rebound header from Retegui. It was an elite reaction of work and mentality.

Two long-range shots by Cuadrado, in his debut with the "nerazzurra" jersey, were the only solution found by the "Dea" against Arsenal's defense. A wasted counterattack by Martinelli with 15 minutes remaining was Arsenal's only English threat. An extremely balanced match ended in a draw that Raya saved for Arsenal.