Champions League 2024-25: Atalanta and Arsenal play out goalless draw
What's the story
Atalanta and Arsenal were involved in a pulsating 0-0 affair in matchweek 1 of the revamped UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season. The Gunners need to thank David Raya for saving a penalty in the 2nd half. Atalanta threatened with more attempts but Arsenal held on for a crucial point. Gabriel Martinelli missed a glorious chance for the Gunners in the 2nd half,
1st half
Arsenal had the better chances in 1st half
Atalanta had more of the ball in the 1st half but Arsenal produced the better chances. England winger Bukayo Saka went closest for the Gunners as his free-kick was well-saved. The likes of Thomas Partey and Gabriel Martinelli have gone close too. Atalanta failed to do much going forward as Arsenal's defense stood tall.
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1st half match stats
Atalanta made two attempts with zero shots on target. Arsenal had five attempts with two shots on target. Both sides had 7 touches each in the opposition box. Atalanta dominated possession (56%) and completed 60 passes in the final 3rd.
2nd half
Raya's double save helps the Gunners
Ederson skipped past Partey and the Arsenal midfielder's clip on the back of Ederson resulted in a penalty which was checked by VAR. Mateo Retegui missed from the spot with Raya guessing right. His shot on the rebound was blocked as well. The double save helped Arsenal. Juan Cuadrado attempted two long shots before and Martinelli's miss. The game could have gone either way.
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Away blues for Arsenal in Italy; Raya the hero
As per Opta, Arsenal have failed to score in their last four Champions League away games in Italy: 1-0 vs Roma, 4-0 vs Milan, 2-0 vs Napoli and 0-0 vs Atalanta. Including shootouts, Arsenal goalkeeper Raya has saved four of his last eight penalties.
Opta stats
Unique records made in this match
This was Atalanta's maiden 0-0 draw in what was their 24th Champions League appearance. Their previous 23 matches had 83 goals in total. Arsenal have failed to score in three successive away matches in the Champions League for the first time since February 2007. Sterling is the first Englishman to represent four different clubs in the Champions League (Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal).