The UEFA Champions League group stage kicked off with an intense clash between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at the historic Stadio di Bergamo in Bergamo, Italy. Both teams came into this game with high hopes of starting their European campaign on a strong note. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, hoped to continue their good form in European competitions, while Atalanta, led by Gian Piero Gasperini, aimed to make a statement at home. The match was evenly poised, but with a missed penalty and some extraordinary goalkeeping, it ended in a dramatic 0-0 draw.
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Head-to-Head
Historically, Arsenal FC has had a solid record against Italian sides in European competitions, losing only three of their last 18 encounters. Atalanta BC, on the other hand, had struggled at home against English sides, managing just one win in six UEFA matches before this game. However, with both teams showing quality and resilience, this encounter promised a tactical battle.
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Lineups and Substitutes
Atalanta BC Starting XI:
- Marco Carnesecchi (GK)
- Davide Zappacosta (RB)
- Sead Kolašinac (LB)
- José Luis Palomino (CB)
- Caleb Okoli (CB)
- Marten de Roon (C)
- Éderson (CM)
- Mario Pašalić (CM)
- Ademola Lookman (RW)
- Mateo Retegui (ST)
- Charles De Ketelaere (LW)
Substitutes:
- Juan Cuadrado (Subbed in at 60’)
- Nicolò Zaniolo (Subbed in at 70’)
- Lazar Samardzic (Subbed in at 89’)
- Raoul Bellanova (Subbed in at 70’)
- Matteo Ruggeri (Subbed in at 89’)
Arsenal FC Starting XI:
- David Raya (GK)
- Ben White (RB)
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB)
- Gabriel Magalhães (CB)
- William Saliba (CB)
- Declan Rice (CM)
- Kai Havertz (CM)
- Martin Ødegaard (C, AM)
- Bukayo Saka (RW)
- Gabriel Jesus (ST)
- Gabriel Martinelli (LW)
Substitutes:
- Jorginho (Subbed in at 58’)
- Leandro Trossard (Subbed in at 58’)
- Raheem Sterling (Subbed in at 73’)
- Jurriën Timber (Subbed in at 73’)
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC First Half Highlights
The first half was a tactical chess game, with both Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC holding their defensive lines tight. Arsenal started brightly, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus leading the attack, but Atalanta’s defense held strong. Éderson and Marten de Roon were pivotal in keeping Arsenal at bay.
Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui had the best opportunity for the home side when he won a penalty after being fouled by Thomas Partey in the 48th minute. However, David Raya made a stunning double save, denying Retegui both from the spot and the rebound, keeping the scoreline 0-0.
Key Moments of the First Half:
- 48’ – Retegui earns a penalty but misses, with Raya making an incredible save.
- 51’ – Retegui’s rebound header is saved again by Raya.
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Second Half Highlights
The second half saw a more open game as both teams tried to break the deadlock. Arsenal introduced fresh legs, with Jorginho and Trossard coming on to bolster the midfield and attack. Atalanta brought on Juan Cuadrado and Nicolò Zaniolo in an attempt to add creativity and pace.
The best chance of the second half fell to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, who narrowly missed the target after a brilliant solo effort in the 75th minute. Atalanta’s Cuadrado had a curling shot from distance in the 67th minute that flew just over the bar, but it wasn’t enough to break through Arsenal’s defense.
Key Moments of the Second Half:
- 67’ – Cuadrado’s powerful shot misses just over the bar.
- 75’ – Martinelli comes close to scoring but misses the target.
Despite both teams’ best efforts, neither could find the back of the net, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Statistics
| Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Stats | Atalanta BC | Arsenal FC |
| Possession (%) | 49 | 51 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 3 |
| Shots Off Target | 5 | 4 |
| Corners | 4 | 5 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Penalty Missed | 1 | 0 |
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Timeline
- 48’ – Penalty to Atalanta BC (missed by Retegui).
- 51’ – Double save by Raya from Retegui’s penalty and rebound.
- 60’ – Cuadrado comes on for Atalanta BC.
- 67’ – Cuadrado misses the target with a curling shot.
- 75’ – Martinelli’s shot goes narrowly wide for Arsenal FC.
Match Impact and Player Achievements
The 0-0 draw sees both teams gain their first point in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Arsenal FC will be slightly disappointed not to have capitalized on their chances, but David Raya was the standout player, saving a crucial penalty and ensuring a clean sheet.
Atalanta BC’s Éderson was awarded the Man of the Match for his tireless work in midfield and for winning the penalty. Despite the draw, Atalanta BC will be pleased with their performance against one of the Premier League’s top teams.
Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC Man of the Match: Éderson (Atalanta BC)
The Atalanta BC vs Arsenal FC match was a closely contested affair, with both teams having chances to secure all three points. David Raya’s heroics in goal and Éderson’s midfield dominance stood out in an otherwise even battle. The result leaves both teams in a strong position to build on as they progress through the group stage. Arsenal FC will look to improve their attacking sharpness, while Atalanta BC can take pride in their solid defensive display.
