Watch: David Raya saves Arsenal from Champions League folly

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya PA Images/Alamy Images

Watch: David Raya's double-save rescues Arsenal from early Champions League blunder

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Sep 19, 2024 6:02 PM ET

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta entered this week needing to figure out how to play two games in four days — ideally without losing either.

Well, after one match the Gunners didn't lose, but they didn't win, either. The team traveled to Bergamo, Italy, to face 2023 Europa League champions Atalanta in its first Champions League fixture of the 2024 season.

Shortly after the second half began, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey fouled Atalanta's Ederson in the penalty box, drawing a spot kick at the worst possible time.

But goalkeeper David Raya showed why he was worth the $34.3 million transfer fee this offseason, saving not one but two shots from Atalanta forward Mateo Retegui and keeping Arsenal in the match.

DAVID RAYA WITH A STUNNING DOUBLE SAVE pic.twitter.com/O6xGhOpS7F
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 19, 2024

The game ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw but without Raya's masterful skills, it could've spelled a disastrous start for the Gunners' Champions League campaign.

Afterward, Raya told CBS Sports' postgame broadcast he felt that moment was "one of the top three" of his career.

David Raya reveals his double save against Atalanta was the best save of his career pic.twitter.com/6dxVXfhnOd
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 19, 2024

"It has to rank on the top, especially in the situation," the 29-year-old Spaniard said. "We were nil-nil and had the team with a point, and the double-save is incredible, you know, I wouldn't rank it top save in my career but one hundred percent one of the top three."

Raya and his teammates escaped with a standings point Thursday and will return to Champions League action Oct. 1 when they host reigning French Ligue One champion Paris-Saint Germain in North London.

In the meantime, Arsenal will regroup and prepare for its Premier League heavyweight bout with reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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