Alexis Sanchez' lone goal sends Arsenal to UCL

Alexis Sanchez scored his first goal for Arsenal in style as it was enough to help the club see off Besiktas in the second leg of UCL qualifier.

The Chilean struck in before the stroke of time  to ensure that Arsenal will play in the Champions League for the 17th consecutive season.

Meanwhile Mathieu Debuchy was sent off in the second half for a second bookable offence which condemned the side to fight to finish to make it through.

In other results on the night, Athletic Bilbao and Bayer Leverkusen, will go into the draws for the group stages on Thursday.

 

 

UCL Play-off: Arsenal play goalless against Besiktas, (other results)

Arsenal's quest to secure a 17th successive UEFA Champions League spot will have to be decided at the Emirates Stadium after they play a goalless draw against Besiktas in Turkey on Tuesday night.

The home side pulled the first threat after former Chelsea striker Demba Ba fired against the cross bar within 5 seconds into the match.

The London club however finished with 10-men after Aaron Ramsey was sent off as he was booked for the second time in the match with just 10 minutes to play.

Besiktas will visit the Emirates next Wednesday for the return leg.

In other fixtures on the night,  it was Napoli 1-1 Athletico Bilbao, Salzburg 2-1 Malmo, FC, FC Koebenhavn 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen, Steaua Bucuresti 1-0 PFC Ludogorets Razgad

 

 

Champions League play-off: Arsenal draw Besiktas of Turkey

Arsenal will confront Turkish side Besiktas in the play-off round of the Champions League.


Arsène Wenger's side will travel to Turkey for the first leg on 19/20 before hosting the Turkish side at Emirates Stadium the following week.

It could be recalled that Fernebache of Turkey was the stepping stone for Arsenal in a similar fixture last season.

Champions League play-off draw:
Maribor v Celtic
Salzburg v Malmo
Aalborg v Apoel
Steaua Bucharest v Ludogorets
Slovan Bratislava v BATE Borisov
Besiktas v Arsenal
Standard Liege v Zenit
Copenhagen v Bayer Leverkusen
Lille v FC Porto
Napoli v Athletic Bilbao