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☆ UEFA Champions League 2014-15 ☆

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Champions League play-off draw: Arsenal meet Besiktas, Napoli take on Athletic Bilbao


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Aug 8, 2014 11:15:00

The Premier League outfit will have to deal with the Istanbul giants on their way to the group stages, while the Serie A side face Basque opposition

Arsenal have been paired with Besiktas during Friday's Champions League play-off draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

Arsene Wenger's men last made it past the round of 16 in 2009-10 and will be determined to do better this term, yet they will have to see off the Turks first, who last featured in European club football's elite competion 2009-10.

In what is arguably the standout tie of the play-offs, Rafael Benitez's Napoli will have to deal with La Liga representatives Athletic Bilbao if they are to reach the group stages.

The Serie A outfit impressed in the Champions League three years ago, yet were eliminated in the group stages last term. Athetic, meanwhile, have appeared in the Champions League just once before, when they crashed out in the group stages in 1998-1999.

Furthermore, Lille meet Porto, while Bayer Leverkusen take on Copenhagen and Standard Liege will have to battle Zenit in the final tie of the league route.

In the champions route, Celtic - who were allowed back in the tournament at the expense of Legia Warsaw following an administrative error by the Poles - were paired with Maribor.

The opening legs will be played on August 19 and 20, with the return games on August 26 and 27, the 10 winners joining the 22 teams automatically qualified for the group stage.

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Tough tests for Napoli and Porto in play-offs

Published: Friday 8 August 2014, 14.00CET

SSC Napoli and FC Porto drew Athletic Club and LOSC Lille in the UEFA Champions League play-offs while Arsenal FC face a Turkish team for the second year running.

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UEFA Champions League play-off draw results ©Getty Images

SSC Napoli and FC Porto face tough tasks to return to the UEFA Champions League group stage having been paired with Athletic Club and LOSC Lille respectively in the play-off draw in Nyon.

Both Napoli and Porto were eliminated in the group stage last season and, having finished third in Serie A and the Portuguese Liga respectively in 2013/14, must now overcome LOSC – third in Ligue 1 last term – and the Spanish Liga's fourth-placed side Athletic, whose sole previous group appearance came in 1998/99.

For the second season running Arsenal FC face Turkish opposition at this juncture. Twelve months ago they defeated Fenerbahçe SK in the play-offs; now they have been pitted against Beşiktaş JK, whose fifth and last group stage campaign came in 2009/10. Elsewhere in the league route, Danish runners-up FC København take on Bayer 04 Leverkusen and R. Standard de Liège play FC Zenit. The last two met in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup first round, when Zenit won 4-1 on aggregate and went on to lift the trophy.

That tie is the only one of the ten play-off fixtures in which the teams have encountered each other before. In the champions route, Sweden's Malmö FF, PFC Ludogorets Razgrad of Bulgaria and Slovak title holders ŠK Slovan Bratislava need to negotiate FC Salzburg, FC Steaua Bucureşti and FC BATE Borisov to earn a first group appearance. Celtic FC, restored to the competition after Legia Warszawa were excluded, tackle Slovenia's NK Maribor.

UEFA Champions League play-offs

LEAGUE ROUTE

Beşiktaş JK (TUR) v Arsenal FC (ENG) - 19/27 August
R. Standard de Liège (BEL) v FC Zenit (RUS) - 20/26 August
FC København (DEN) v Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER) - 19/27 August
LOSC Lille (FRA) v FC Porto (POR) - 20/26 August
SSC Napoli (ITA) v Athletic Club (ESP) - 19/27 August

CHAMPIONS ROUTE

NK Maribor (SVN) v Celtic FC (SCO) - 20/26 August
FC Salzburg (AUT) v Malmö FF (SWE)- 19/27 August
Aalborg BK (DEN) v APOEL FC (CYP) - 20/26 August
FC Steaua Bucureşti (ROU) v PFC Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) - 19/27 August
ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SVK) v FC BATE Borisov (BLR) - 20/26 August

The ten winners of the play-off round ties join 22 automatic entrants in the group stage draw in Monaco on 28 August. The ten losers go into the UEFA Europa League group stage.

 

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Berg slams Uefa in expulsion row as Legia plan appeal

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By Simon Turner
Aug 8, 2014 21:02:00

Celtic were advanced to the Champions League playoffs after the Polish champions fielded an ineligible player, but the club are determined to fight the punishment

Legia Warsaw will appeal against their Uefa Champions League disqualification, according to head coach Henning Berg.

Uefa expelled the Polish champions from the competition after the ineligible Bartosz Bereszynski appeared in the 2-0 second leg victory over Celtic on Wednesday in the third qualifying round.

That decision meant Celtic, who were beaten 6-1 on aggregate against Legia, were awarded a 3-0 default victory and will now face Slovenian side Maribor in the play-offs.

But former Rangers defender Berg has slammed Uefa 's decision and promised to challenge the judgement.

"We will appeal this, definitely. We will go as high as we can because we do not think this is the right decision," Berg told Sky Sports.

"We are absolutely shocked at this decision.

"For Uefa to make this, with the consequences of it for what has happened, is unbelievable."

A row erupted when Uefa ruled that Bereszynski had not served a three-match ban for his sending off against Greek side Apollon in last season's Europa League.

This was despite the Polish international sitting out Legia's second-round qualifying tie with St. Patrick's and the first leg against Celtic. Uefa claim he was not registered against the Irish side and the ban was not fulfilled.

Berg believes that the punishment is unduly tough for what he believes to be an administrative oversight.

He said: "He should have been OK. The technical mistake which our administration made was not to put him in the squad for the two first games against St Patrick's for him to serve his suspension.

"He has been registered to us for all this time so we were not trying to hide anything.

"This has been open and this is just a little small technical mistake in the administration and the consequences for us now is very, very difficult to take."

The Norwegian says there is a precedent in place for dealing with unregistered players dating back to Hungarian side Debrecen, and has urged Uefa to show consistency.

"In 2010 Debrecen also used a player and their case was not even as strong as ours and Uefa told them because they acted in good faith the result stood and it was not affected," he added.

 

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Benitez: Athletic Bilbao the toughest we could have drawn

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By Alex Fisher
Aug 8, 2014 20:31:00

The Partenopei will take on the Liga outfit for a place in the Champions League group stage and their coach accepts they will meet a formidable opponent

Rafael Benitez believes Napoli were handed the toughest possible draw in the Champions League after being paired with Athletic Bilbao.

Napoli were seeded in Friday's draw and could have drawn Lille, Copenhagen, Standard Liege or Besiktas, but will face the side which finished fourth in La Liga last season.

The Serie A giants were drawn at home in the first leg of the play-off tie later this month and Benitez knows Napoli must perform at the San Paolo to give them a chance of qualifying for the group stages ahead of a daunting trip to the San Mames.

"We were paired with the most difficult side of the five we could have faced, Athletic are the strongest of them all, no doubt about that," he said after the draw.

"They play good football and the great support of the 50,000 fans at the San Mames makes them difficult to beat for anybody.

"I think we will see two beautiful games, played with great intensity by both sides. I think Napoli are well prepared to play a great game and reach our objective, which is playing in the group stage."

Napoli host Bilbao in the week commencing August 18 with the return leg in Spain a week later in what will be the first time the teams have faced each other in competitive action.

 

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Legia ask Celtic for one-off play-off match

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By Alec Fenn
Aug 10, 2014 15:35:00

The Polish side beat the Hoops convincingly over two legs but were disqualified from the competition for fielding an ineligible player

Legia Warsaw have sent Celtic a letter asking the club for a one-off play-off match to determine their Champions League fate.

The Polish outfit beat the Hoops 6-1 on aggregate after dominating both legs of their third qualifying round clash, only to be disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

Bartosz Bereszynski was brought on in the 86th minute but was meant to be serving a suspension after receiving a red card for violent conduct in last season's Europa League game against Apollon.

As a result, Uefa awarded Celtic a 3-0 second leg victory - meaning they advanced on away goals with the tie level at 4-4, setting up a final play-off clash against Maribor.

But Legia co-owner Dariusz Mioduski has now written to the SPL side in a bid to settle their fate in a one-off match.

"Meet in Warsaw or in Glasgow and let's settle this matter honourably," read a letter sent to Celtic Park on Sunday.

"The action is deeply unjust and contrary to the spirit of fair play."

 

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Athletic can beat Napoli - Valverde

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By Alex Fisher
Aug 10, 2014 00:11:00

The Italian side are the favourites to go through when they meet in the Champions League playoff and the Bilbao coach is confident his team can progress

Ernesto Valverde believes Athletic Bilbao can beat Napoli in the Champions League playoff and secure a spot in the group stage.

The Serie A side, one of the most feared teams in Friday's play-off round draw, will host Bilbao on August 19 in the first meeting of a two-legged encounter, with the return taking place eight days later.

While Rafael Benitez's side will start as favourites, Valverde is confident his squad has the quality to reach the group stage of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 1998.

"It's true Napoli are a big side but it's a team we can beat and get through," he said. "We respect them because they are a strong side, but we have real confidence in our chances.

"We already knew we had to face important sides. Maybe Arsenal and Napoli were the strongest teams but to be honest if we want to be in the Champions League we have to face these kind of teams. We cannot be surprised by that.

"Napoli are a really organised team. They are really strong at the back and it's difficult to catch them on a counter attack but at the same time they have a big talent in attack."

Bilbao, who finished fourth in La Liga last term, continued their preparations for the new season with a 3-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday

Aritz Aduriz struck a first-half hat-trick in Germany, with Valverde's side also set to meet Olympiacos ahead of their initial contest against Napoli.

Valverde added: "These matches are important for us in order to prepare the tie against Napoli, but we are not thinking just about that Champions League tie because we have a La Liga match [against Malaga] in the middle of it.

"I know the main thing is now the Champions League but we cannot forget that La Liga match and we have to be ready too."

 

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Legia Warsaw appeal to Uefa over Champions League expulsion


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By Harry West
Aug 12, 2014 12:12:00

Following Celtic's reprieve in European football's elite club competition, Henning Berg's side have requested that their case be looked at by the tournament's governing body

Legia Warsaw have formally appealed against the decision to expel them from the Champions League.

The Polish champions defeated Celtic 2-0 at Murrayfield in the second leg of their third qualifying round tie last week, sealing a 6-1 aggregate success.

However, the late introduction of defender Bartosz Bereszynski has caused controversy, with Legia believing the player to have previously served a three-match suspension.

Uefa disagree, claiming that Bereszynski was not registered for Legia's second-round tie with St Patrick's and his suspension was therefore not fulfilled.

The governing body subsequently awarded Celtic a 3-0 win, enough to see them progress to the play-off round on away goals.

Coach Henning Berg announced Legia's intention to appeal the decision on Friday, and on Tuesday Uefa announced that the club had followed through with that process.

"Legia Warszawa have appealed against the decision taken by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on August 8," a statement read.

"The meeting of the Uefa Appeals Body will be held on Wednesday August 13."


 

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Juventus can win the Champions League, says Llorente

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By Enis Koylu
Aug 13, 2014 08:18:00

The Spanish striker is confident that his side will be scrapping it out for Europe's biggest prize this coming season - despite failing to get out of the group stage last term

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente is adamant that the Turin club are capable of challenging for the Champions League title this season.

The Italian champions, under the tutelage of former boss Antonio Conte, were eliminated from the group stage of the competition last term.

However, Llorente feels that Atletico Madrid proved by reaching the 2014 final, where they were beaten after extra-time by city rivals Real, that it is possible to compete with the continent's richer clubs.

"I think Juventus belong in the group [who will fight for the Champions League]," the Spain international told Tuttosport.

"We have to try. It's obvious that it'll be very difficult. But last year, for example, no one thought that Atletico Madrid could come so close to winning it.

"In football, anything can happen. We have to work very hard in order to have a crazy year. We must believe, dream that we can do it."

Llorente went on to admit that he had some teething problems when he first moved to the club last summer but feels that he can be proud of his first season in Serie A.

"Last year it was very hard for me at first," the towering striker continued. "In the first few months, I wasn't used to Conte's work.

"After the summer training camp in Chatillon, I felt physically sick and morale was low. But 18 goals is a good season.

"I hope to do better now. I hope to have more chances in every sense. Fans must have confidence in this team; we are even stronger."

 

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Retaining Champions League is Real Madrid's new target - Ramos


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By Enis Koylu
Aug 13, 2014 07:41:00

No team has successfully defended the continent's top prize since it was rebranded and restructured in 1992 - but the centre-half says Carlo Ancelotti's men intend to change that

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos quickly turned his attention to retaining the Champions League after beating Sevilla 2-0 in the Uefa Super Cup on Tuesday.

Goals either side of half-time from Cristiano Ronaldo were enough for Carlo Ancelotti's side to get their season off to the perfect start after the European Cup and Copa del Rey double last term.

However, Sergio Ramos is refusing to rest on his laurels and has shifted his focus to retaining the Champions League - a feat that no team has ever managed before.

"This kind of game is never easy as Sevilla always give us a difficult match," the former Rojiblanco starlet is quoted as saying by Uefa's official website.

"They're a team we know from La Liga but when you're playing for a trophy there's extra motivation; the team were really excited about this challenge, we wanted to start the season well and we're pleased.

"It's an important day for Madrid, adding another trophy after so many years without winning it is always positive for morale.

"We're proud of the season we had last year and now we have to defend our European title, which was a trophy we put so much into winning. This is a new target for us.

"You always need ambitions and optimism. We must keep on winning things so that tomorrow our name is still up there and we add more important trophies.

"The Champions League is a competition which has always been special for Real Madrid and we're going to try and do a good job again this year.

"When you're at a club like ours you need this pressure, and the motivation and dedication have to be there each day to be at your best in every competition.

"If things are done well, we can do a good job in every tournament."

Ten-time European champions Madrid had only once before lifted the Super Cup, in 2002.

 

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Kompany wants Manchester City to upset European order

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By Jack Davies
Aug 14, 2014 11:56:00

The club captain signed a new five-year deal on Wednesday and wants the Premier League titleholders to make their mark in the Champions League

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is determined to "upset the order" in European football after signing a contract extension.

The Premier League champions were eliminated by Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League last season and have yet to make their mark in continental competition since becoming a major force domestically.

But Kompany, who signed a new five-year deal on Wednesday, believes it is time for City and other Premier League superpowers to pose more of a challenge to European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"English clubs need to push again in the Champions League," he is quoted as saying. "I’m quite clear and honest about it that there are three clubs, no more, just three - Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona - who are a step ahead of everyone.

"But clubs like City, Chelsea... all the contenders are mainly in England, pushing to change that order.

"It was the case in the Premier League as well. It was Liverpool, United, Arsenal and Chelsea. But now it has been changed. It will happen in Europe.

"We are hoping to change the order in Europe. It’s our ambition. I don't think anyone at City has hidden from it.

"People will always throw the past and the glory back in our face but then again I would like nothing more than to upset the order. Ultimately, our fans have been there a long time and they have a right, just as much as any fans, to be part of that top tier.

"People complain when they get moved off their throne. I find it really funny. You complain, you set up new rules, but ultimately what you are doing is just trying to make sure that the established order doesn't change."

City get their Premier League campaign under way against Newcastle United on Sunday.

 

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Ronaldo leads Uefa Best Player in Europe nominees as Messi is snubbed


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By Joe Wright
Aug 14, 2014 14:16:00

The 10-man shortlist has been reduced to three, with the Ballon d'Or holder set to battle it out with Bayern Munich duo Arjen Robben and Manuel Neuer for the prize

Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo have been named as the final three nominees for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award.

The trio were named as part of an initial 10-man shortlist announced in July, which included Angel Di Maria, Diego Costa, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Philipp Lahm, James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller.

Current Ballon d'Or holder Ronaldo has now been voted into the final three, along with Bayern Munich's star winger Robben and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who added the World Cup to his Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal successes last season, but Barcelona's Argentine star could only finish fifth in the voting.

The winner will be announced on August 28 in Monaco during the group-stage draw for the Champions League.

The Uefa Best Player prize began in 2011 under an initiative from Uefa president Michel Platini and European Sports Media group. Lionel Messi won the first prize, before Andres Iniesta in 2012 and Franck Ribery last year.

A jury of journalists from each of Uefa's member associations voted for the initial 10-man shortlist, using a system of points. A panel of 54 experts will now vote live on August 28 for the winner. The positions of the remaining seven players in the list will stay the same.

The final three nominees for the Best Women's Player in Europe were also unveiled, with Nilla Fischer, Nadine Kessler and Martina Muller - of Wolfsburg - the names to garner the most votes.

Uefa Best Player nominees - remaining top 10 (in order of voting):

4: Thomas Muller (Bayern)
5: Philipp Lahm (Bayern)
=: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
7: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
8: Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
9: Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
10: Diego Costa (Chelsea)


 

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Muniain: Athletic Bilbao can upset Napoli

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By Mark Doyle
Aug 17, 2014 17:46:00

The 21-year-old attacker is wary of the threat posed by the Partenopei on the break but he is confident that having the second leg at home will work in the Basques' favour

Iker Muniain has conceded that Athletic Bilbao could not have received a tougher draw in the Champions League play-offs but insisted that he cannot wait to face Napoli at the San Paolo on Tuesday night.

The Basques, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, have been paired with Arsenal, Porto, Zenit or Bayer Leverkusen, but they were ultimately handed a two-legged tie against the Partenopei.

Muniain has the utmost respect for one of the most feared counterattacking sides in Europe but he says that Athletic are more than capable of defeating Rafael Benitez's men.

"We're facing a very skilful opponent, of a really high level," the 21-year-old attacker told reporters.

"They have great players on the counterattack; they play with this plan. We will have to be careful, but we will not abandon our style of play.

"Certainly, it's a shame to have drawn Napoli. They and Arsenal were the worst. At least there is the positive of having the return leg at home.

"We're hoping to get to play for qualification at San Mames, but it will be difficult to beat them.

"I believe that this will be a fairly even game. But we have already played against big teams last season, and beaten them.

"I'm really impatient. There's great expectation. I cannot wait to get to Naples and immediately check out the stadium."

Athletic will host Napoli at San Mames on August 27.

 

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Legia Warsaw Champions League appeal rejected


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By Kris Voakes
Aug 18, 2014 18:04:00

The Polish champions have been refused re-entry following their elimination from the competition after fielding an ineligible player against Celtic

Legia Warsaw are officially eliminated from this season’s Champions League after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the club’s appeal for a temporary reprieve.

The Polish champions beat Celtic 6-1 on aggregate in the third qualifying round only for Uefa to award the Scottish side a 3-0 victory in the second leg after Legia had been found to use an ineligible player, Bartosz Bereszynski, for the final four minutes of their 2-0 win at Murrayfield.

The defender was still officially serving a three-match ban, having not been registered for the previous round’s two-legged win over St Patrick’s Athletic due to an administrative error.

And while CAS will rule on the case at a later date, the body has released a statement confirming it has refused Legia’s appeal to continue in the Champions League until such time as a final judgement is made.

“Legia Warsaw filed an appeal to the CAS at 17:30 on 15 August 2014 together with an urgent application for provisional measures requesting that it be provisionally admitted to participate in UEFA Champions League matches until the CAS renders its final arbitral award,” said the statement.

“The President of the CAS Appeals Arbitration Division considered the parties’ written submissions and has denied Legia Warsaw’s request. Accordingly, Celtic FC remain qualified to participate in the UEFA Champions League 2014-15 and will play their next match against NK Maribor on August 20, 2014.”

Legia have requested that both the club and Bereszynski have any sanctions against them lifted, but the matter will not now be resolved until after they have begun their Europa League campaign against Kazakhstan side Aktobe on Thursday.

 

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Alexis is great but Ramsey is Arsenal's best - Bilic


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By Jay Jaffa
Aug 19, 2014 13:57:00

Besiktas host the Gunners on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the Champions League play-off and their Croatian manager has highlighted the threat posed by the Welshman

Aaron Ramsey is more important to Arsenal than Alexis Sanchez and is a "nine out of ten" in every attribute, according to Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic.

The Turkish outfit host the Gunners on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, hoping to gain an advantage in their quest to reach the group stage, but Bilic highlighted the threat posed by the likes of Ramsey.

He told reporters: "Arsenal signed Alexis Sanchez and he's a great player but I believe Ramsey is the best guy they have.

"Almost all their team are made of high-level players. He's not the fastest, he's not as clever as Scholes or a fighter like Roy Keane but he's got all the attributes and out of ten he would get nine for each."

Though Bilic is wary of Arsene Wenger's side, he remains positive that the Super Lig side can qualify ahead of the north Londoners.

Bilic added: "Arsenal was the last team we wanted in the draw. Wenger's Arsenal always play fast and alive, but just because they're better than us we won't give in.

"We have 15 million fans and they believe we can qualify and so do I. We have as much chance to qualify as Arsenal does, It won't be a surprise if we beat them.

"I love England and their football mentality. I would love to work in England in the future. But right now I'm here. Istanbul is a great city and fits me too. I love it here.

"Turkish fans won't get through to Arsenal. They're scary and everything but Arsenal are experienced. Fan power didn't work when Fenerbahce fans tried last year - they beat them 3-0 anyway."

 

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Demba Ba and the Besiktas players Arsenal must watch out for

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Aug 19, 2014 13:00:00

The Gunners kick off their Champions League campaign in Istanbul on Tuesday in the first leg of a crucial playoff, but who are the main men they must stop?

COMMENT
By Will Martin

Fresh from a last-gasp victory over Crystal Palace on the opening day of the Premier League season, Arsenal head to Istanbul to face off against Besiktas, last season's third-placed finishers in the Turkish Super Lig.

Led by former Croatia boss, Slaven Bilic, Besiktas entered this year's Champions League in the third qualifying round, where they made light work of Dutch side Feyenoord home and away to secure a 5-2 aggregate victory.

The Black Eagles will come into Tuesday's playoff first leg buoyed by this result, and look likely to provide Arsene Wenger and his men with a stern test. Here we look at a handful of players who could well influence the clash in Istanbul.

Demba Ba

Fresh off the back of a reported €10 million summer transfer from Chelsea, Ba wasted no time in making his mark in the Turkish capital, scoring a hat-trick against Feyenoord on his full debut.

The Senegalese striker impressed during five seasons in England, scoring 50 goals in all competitions, including consecutive Premier League campaigns where he hit double figures for Newcastle United. Famed for his clinical finishing, Ba averaged a goal every 1.6 shots for Chelsea last season and will surely provide a fierce and familiar challenge for Arsenal's back four.

Atiba Hutchinson

Veteran Canadian Hutchinson comes into Tuesday's game on the back of a solid pre-season and two sterling performances against Feyenoord in the previous round of qualifying. The 31-year-old central midfielder, who can also be utilised on the right side of defence, has enjoyed spells in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands during a career spanning more than a decade.

Capped 67 times by his country, Hutchinson is considered one of the greatest players in Canadian history, a fact reflected by his inclusion in the all-time Canada XI in 2012. Operating in the engine room of the pitch, Hutchinson will be tireless in his shielding of Besiktas' back four - a vital role against the Gunners' midfield riches - whilst also posing a threat going forward.

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Stranglehold | Besiktas gave Feyenoord's attack no room to breathe

Olcay Sahan

German-born winger Sahan, capped 12 times by Turkey, has enjoyed two highly productive seasons in Istanbul following his transfer from Kaiserslautern in 2012. In his debut term, Sahan bagged 11 goals and six assists, whilst last time out he was equally impressive, netting eight times and setting up a further nine.

Diminutive in stature, Sahan operates mainly on the left side of the field, and is renowned in Turkey for his pace and work rate. Also able to play through the middle, the lively attacker will likely provide a serious challenge to Arsenal's full-backs.

Tolga Zengin

Six-foot four-inch shot-stopper Zengin was a dominant presence between the posts for Besiktas last season following a summer move from Trabzonspor. He kept 11 clean sheets - a league high - and conceded the second fewest number of goals in Turkey.

Capped eight times by his country, the goalkeeper will provide a stern test for Arsenal's attacking talent, and Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and co. will need to be at their brilliant best to beat the 30-year old.

Pedro Franco

Former Millionarios defender Franco comes into the new season having just missed out on a trip to the World Cup with Colombia. Reportedly targeted by Manchester City in the past, Franco rose to prominence after winning the best defender award at the 2011 Toulon Tournament.

Relatively small for a centre-back, the 23-year-old is nonetheless good in the air. He is comfortable on the ball, frequently helping to launch attacks for his side. Strong in the tackle, getting past the Colombian will prove no mean feat.

 

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Wenger: Champions League play-off suits Arsenal


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By Luke Sheehan
Aug 19, 2014 09:12:00

Despite adding a further two fixtures to an already busy schedule, but the manager insists the extra games are beneficial to his side's in the early stages of the season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said their packed schedule due to a Champions League play-off is a plus for the London club.

The wider viewpoint of the side finishing fourth in England, and thus forced to play a two-legged play-off to enter the European tournament's group stages, is that the extra fixtures are unwanted burdens in an already full-up fixture list.

Arsenal are in Turkey to tackle Super Lig side Besiktas on Tuesday, but Wenger said his men were embracing the chance to find form - despite looking ahead to Everton on Saturday.

"Every game you win makes you stronger and, on that front, winning the games helps to gain confidence," Wenger told the club's official website.

"The group still needs to grow and to gain confidence we have to grow. [The play-off is] not affecting too much my transfer policy. Financially it is a big game but it's not that that's the most important [matter].

"We want to compete at the top level, we want to fight against the best in Europe and that's the real target of the competition tomorrow. It's more than the financial consequences.

"We have always in the history of the club adapted to our financial potential but what is very important is that we want to play with the best. That's the real target of the qualifier."

Wenger also confirmed defender Kieran Gibbs was absent from the first leg of the play-off due to a hamstring problem, while striker Yaya Sanogo was also sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini, meanwhile, overcame illness to join the squad.

 
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