Traveling to Atalanta's home field, Arsenal was somewhat rated higher. However, the match showed balance. In the end, the two teams drew 0-0 in the opening match of the Champions League qualifying round.
Speaking to TNT Sports, midfielder Declan Rice admitted Atalanta's frustration. He said: "It's difficult to win away from home in the Champions League, it's really difficult. Our opponents are the European champions (Europa League). They've had the same manager for nine years and they're very good man-to-man. Atalanta are difficult to beat, they'll chase you all over the pitch."
Despite only getting a point, Arsenal did well to keep a clean sheet. Rice praised the home defence: “It’s not easy, you have to adjust. I think the most important thing is we have a very good defence. We’re delighted with another clean sheet, I think it’s hard to praise the centre-backs enough. The goalkeeper has stepped up a notch as well.
We pressed very well, but I think we need to be more efficient when we have the ball. We kept losing the ball quite carelessly, just when we were about to threaten the opponent's goal."
After a draw with Atalanta, Arsenal will face an even tougher challenge in PSG in the second round. Declan Rice showed his determination: “It’s a good time to start. Obviously we want to win every game. That’s the ambition of the players, the coach, the club. But we’re going to be up against big teams, that’s the new format.
You have to win every game. We have PSG at home, it's a big game. We'll take it one game at a time. We're back in the Premier League now, but Arsenal are also looking towards the Champions League because we have depth."
