Topics: UEFA Champions League, Arsenal, Besiktas, Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez was the hero of the night after scoring the only goal just before the half-time whistle.

It wasn’t an easy task for the ‘Gunners’ but at the end they managed to reach the group stages of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Turkish side Besiktas in the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger’s squad dominated the first half as they looked decided to take an early lead to secure a spot in the major European club competition but it was only seconds before the half-time whistle when the ‘Gunners’ netted in the first goal of the night. Alexis Sánchez scored his first goal in Arsenal shirt with a right-footed shot following an impressive one-two play between Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil. 

In the second half things started to complicate for Arsenal, especially after Mathieu Debuchy was sent off in the 75th minute. The Frenchman saw his second yellow card after committing a foul on Mustafa Pektemek.

The last minutes of the match were frenetic as Besiktas spent most of the time in Arsenal’s box looking for the equalizer but their efforts were either missed or denied by Szczesny. Former Chelsea player Demba Ba missed a clear chance in added time, as he couldn’t head a cross in front of goal. 

Arsene Wenger had his word after the final whistle:

"We produced the performance we wanted on the technical side and the tactical side but we couldn't finish it off."

"I must give credit to Besiktas because they are very strong and well organised. We kept Ba quiet."

"What is important is the performance on the pitch and not who we buy. But we are open to buying in every position."

Arsenal fans also reacted and expressed their excitement on Twitter.