Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid as it happened

1. FT: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
2. First leg of Spanish Super Cup
3. Rodriguez for Real, Garcia levels
4. Besiktas 0-0 Arsenal in Champs Lge
5. Aaron Ramsey sees red for Arsenal

A good draw for Atletico Madrid, where it's almost 1am. And that's late enough for us, we are out of here.

See you soon.

FULL-TIME

All over! We go again on Friday night. Atletico - who didn't lose to Real or Barcelona last season - will be happy with that.

INJURY TIME

Into added time...

PENALTY APPEAL

Furious! They're furious! Real Madrid want a penalty, and you can see why. Dani Carvajal hammers in a low shot which hits the outstretched arm of Mario Suarez - nothing given...

GOAL

Out of nothing! Atletico Madrid win a corner which is not cut out and midfielder Raul Garcia is open two yards out to flick home with the bottom of his boots! Terrible defending and an away goal for Atleti.

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Ikram Miah: Real Madrid attacking is lethal with Bale, Ronaldo and Rodriguez, They will surely be favourites for winning the Champions League.

Louis Theodossiou: New rule - If a player crosses the vanishing spray line and gets penalised, the captain of that players team should get booked.

Paul Anthony Collins: Game full of stars and play actors trying get others sent off. Ramos should have gone though.

James Rodriguez will remember that goal for many reasons - but as it came at 12:40 am it must be the latest he's ever scored?

An immediate response from Atletico sees Koke fire in a dipping strike which forces Iker Casillas into a fine save. Last 10...

GOAL

There it is! Dani Carvajal crosses in, Karim Benzema sees his effort well blocked and new boy James Rodriguez is in the right place to steer the loose change home from 10 yards out. First goal for the club. It won't be his last!

SUBSTITUTION

Karim Benzma floats a header on to the top of the net before Real bring on Angel Di Maria - who gets a huge, huge ovation from the stands. They don't want to see him sold.

Atletico hand new boy Raul Jimenez 13 minutes up front in place of Mario Mandzukic.

Another brilliant touch from Gareth Bale takes him away from two defenders, he finds Toni Kroos but the German's shot hits the back of a defender. Atletico are readying a few changes as we enter the final 15 minutes.

AFP/GETTY

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey: "Thank you to all the fans that made the trip. Sorry for the red card. I'm sure the lads will do the job in the second leg."

CLOSE!

Gareth Bale takes the free-kick at the second attempt, hammered hard and low, Miguel Moya can only palm it out and Toni Kroos has the whole goal to aim at, and puts it over! Big chance.

YELLOW CARD

Don't encroach the vanishing spray! Raul Garcia edges over the foam and is booked for his troubles. Sergio Ramos put the original effort over the bar but they get a second shy....

SUBSTITUTION

Sergio Ramos rises high to flick a header wide, before Atletico Madrid replace Guilherme Siqueira with Cristian Ansaldi. Siqueira was lucky not to be sent-off there for another foul on Gareth Bale.

YELLOW CARD

A big collision as Mario Mandzukic and Sergio Ramos go up for the header, it's a heavy landing and the temperamental Ramos then appears to put his hand into Mandzukic's face!

It's not a punch, but more than a shove, and they are both booked. He's a touch lucky there.

SUBSTITUTION

Exciting addition to the Madrid scene - France midfielder Antoine Griezmann is on. He had a cracking World Cup.

Dani Carvajal takes aim from 25 yards but fizzes the shot high and wide. Not a bad dig from the Real Madrid full-back - this is a frustrating evening for the home side so far.

James Rodriguez has attached himself just behind Karim Benzema, with Toni Kroos a bit of a fish out of water on the left-hand side. Wonder if Angel Di Maria may be a better option out there?

GREAT SAVE!

Great stuff from Gareth Bale! He collects a cut back from Dani Carvajal, gets away from Diego Godin and thrashes in a right-footed effort which is well pushed clear by Miguel Angel Moya.

KICK-OFF

Cristiano Ronaldo must have an injury. Surely.

Anyway, we are back under way.

EPA

SUBSTITUTION

Here he is. Colombia's hottest export since Shakira is coming on - it's James Rodriguez on in place of Cristiano Ronaldo. I didn't expect that!

Real Madrid gather in the tunnel - James Rodriguez has been going through a very rigorous warm-up, is he coming on?

It's midnight in Madrid. Wednesday.

We are about to have the second half.

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We asked who you think will win the Champions League.

Harvey Wright: Liverpool to go far given their history.

Michael Tombs: Chelsea will go very close to winning #ChampionsLeague this year.

Dr Holmes: I am looking forward to Liverpool this season in the Champions League too. Entertainment guaranteed!

Diego Simeone will be happy enough with this showing, the second leg is over the city at the Vicente Calderon on Friday night.Real have one trophy in the bank and want six altogether this season.

HALF-TIME

Carlo Ancelotti meets the referee on the side of the pitch. He's not happy, but it's goalless at the interval. Almost midnight in Madrid.

A few whistles around the ground as we approach half-time. When you assemble a team of so many stars you maybe expect a supernova of a performance.

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We asked who you think will win the Champions League.

John McEnerney: Bayern will be the team to beat. Do you think those WCup winners will sit back on their laurels? No chance! Unstoppable!

Zak Bakur: Apart from Real Madrid and Barca. Closest challenger to the CL has to be Jose's Chelsea! There's quality in every position

Stephen Shaw: CL final Chelsea-Real. You probably didn't hear that here first

CLOSE!

It's not so often you see Gareth Bale out on the left wing any more, but he made a goal from there in Cardiff last week and almost does again, whipping in a brilliant cross which Cristiano Ronaldo attacks, only to head wide.

AP

YELLOW CARD

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric link up smartly in the midfield, before Modric spins out of a tackle, leaves one man for dead with a bodyswerve and then hits a low shot which deflects wide. Outstanding stuff. Xabi Alonso is then booked for the hosts for a cynical check.

Diego Godin scored a header in the Champions League final between these two sides back in May, and he causes havoc again, flicking a header back into the middle and Iker Casillas flaps at it, Mario Mandzukic then tries to lift the ball back over the top but Casillas grabs it.

Atletico a real threat in the air.

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BBC

It's extraordinarily early days - of course - but who are you backing to win the Champions League this season?

Can anyone get near Real Madrid or Barcelona? Bayern Munich in with a chance? Jose Mourino capable of steering Chelsea all the way?

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

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Andrew: Real Madrid look frightening on the break, they could sweep all before them this season. The pace of Ronaldo and Bale is scary to see.

Sheelagh: After his heroics at the World Cup this summer, James Rodriguez still has to settle for a place on the bench! That just goes to show the sheer strength, depth and quality of this Real Madrid squad.

Andrew, Richhill: I know no team has ever retained the Champions League trophy, not the great Juventus team of the late 90s, not the untouchable Barcelona team of 2009-12 nor the ruthless Bayern Munich of the last two seasons. Having said that, I can't look past this Real Madrid side retaining their CL crown this season. Their already strong side has been strengthened even further in the summer. Beware Europe!

Still all Real in the Bernabeu, but they don't look at their most incisive best this early in the season. James Rodriguez could well make a difference at some stage.

A bit of late transfer news which has come through this evening, Brazil's World Cup goalkeeper Julio Cesar has joined Benfica after being released by Queens Park Rangers.

The 34-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Portuguese club.

Reuters

No Thibaut Courtois for Atletico Madrid this season of course, and they've gone for Miguel Angel Moya in nets tonight. He came in from Getafe, and they also have big-money signing Jan Oblak available. That could be a battle throughout the season.

Gareth Bale beats his man for pace and spins in a cross which Karim Benzema can't get on the end of.

Is Sami Khedira off then? There will be a large queue of suitors for the German midfielder, but I can't see him getting much football for Real. Toni Kroos, Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric will all take some shifting.

The visitors have been penned in but they go direct and it works, Mario Mandzukic finding space on the corner of the penalty area and hitting a dipping shot which is held by Iker Casillas. Decent hit by the Croatian.

And then a bigger chance! Mistake at the back from Sergio Ramos and Saul is in, he hits it early but Casillas saves again.

Better ball Saul...

YELLOW CARD

I'm going to stick my neck out here and predict at least one red card in this one. Gareth Bale is taken out in full flight by Guilherme Siqueira and goes in the book. That was high and rash by the Brazilian left-back, who has replaced Chelsea's new man Luis Felipe.

Real Madrid absolutely dominant so far, pinging the ball around really nicely, and the move ends with Gareth Bale dragging a shot wide from 20 yards.

AFP/GETTY

Championship latest

BBC Radio 5 live

Brighton manager Sami Hyypia tells BBC Radio 5 live he is very happy with side after securing his first victory in the 2-0 win at Leeds United: He said: "The first half was very good football and we dominated the game and showed what we can do.

"These Championship games are always a battle and we were fighting very hard and it's battle you have to win if you want to win these games. The players were excellent today and I'm very happy."

Cristiano Ronaldo gets the ball over on the left but he is double-teamed by two Atletico defenders and has to come inside. He loses the ball. Real instantly win it back and spin the pass out to Gareth Bale. Frightening pace out wide for Real.

YELLOW CARD

Here we go! First tackle of the night is a tasty one, Koke sliding into the ankles of Pepe and picking up a very early booking. All Real so far.

Varane, Coentrao, Navas, Arbeloa, Rodriguez, Di Maria, Isco.

Have you seen a better bench than that? That is why Real Madrid will take some stopping on all fronts this ear. Sami Khedira and ASier Illarramendi can't even get on the bench...

KICK-OFF

Here we go! An intra-city derby between two sides who hate each other, a team representing the working class against a team in the image of the royal family, kicking off at 11pm local time.

What could go wrong?

Iker Casillas and Gabi shake hands in the centre circle, this Super Cup first leg is about to get under way.

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Lweendo Michello: Alexis drifted in and out of the game. Will take him time to adapt; he's used to passing/crossing for Messi, not Giroud.

Rashid Jamil: Arsenal still need few more quality signings to make a mark either in the Premier League and/or Champions League this season.

John Pierce: Perfect result for Everton. Arsenal with it all to do and a trip to Goodison in between.

'Gracias Alfredo' reads a huge banner, as Iker Casillas looks close to tears. A very moving moment for the passionate fans of Real.

Carlo Ancelotti is out at the Bernabeu as the stadium pays tribute to the recently departed club legend Alfredo Di Stefano. The club have put all the trophies he won at the club in the centre-circle. It's a lot...

A string quartet plays Adagio for Strings. A very classy touch.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

EPA

"Aaron Ramsey has been in great form but you saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain come off the bench, hit the post and look very lively. I think it will be a straight swap next week with Oxlade-Chamberlain coming in.

"Ramsey will be a loss for Arsenal because he's in good form. He was relatively quiet tonight but can you let him off the odd quiet one. They were two silly yellow cards tonight although the first one was a bit soft."

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Josh Lewis: Real Madrid are the team to beat, their starting line up is brilliant! Can see Man City doing well as well but hope Mourinho does!

LINE-UPS

Real Madrid's team is ominously strong, they can leave new £65m man James Rodriguez on the bench and Sami Khedira is not in the squad at all. Cue transfer speculation!

Atletico Madrid have Mario Mandzukic up top.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo: Kroos, Alonso; Bale, Modric, Ronaldo; Benzema.

Atletico Madrid: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Saul, Garcia; Mandzukic.

League Two full-time round-up

Morecambe and Burton are officially League Two's frontrunners, which is not something you get to say too often. They both continued their 100% starts with 1-0 wins over Oxford and Exeter respectively - the U's remain pointless long with Newport, Hartlepool and Accrington.

Luton are still searching for a first home win since returning to the Football League - but Pelly Ruddock rescued them a point in injury time against Bury. Cambridge United let a two-goal lead slip to draw at York and there were wins for Portsmouth, AFC Wimbledon and Shrewsbury.

Athletic Bilbao survived late pressure to hold on for a 1-1 draw in their first-leg tie at Napoli. There was a late goal in Romania where Staeau Bucharest's Alexandru Chipciu made up for a penalty miss to strike in the 90th minute and snatch a 1-0 win over Ludogrets.

Emil Forsberg scored even later - his injury time header giving Malmo hope of reaching the group stage after a 2-1 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg. Bayer Leverkusen are big favourites to go through after winning 3-2 at FC Copenhagen.

Manager reaction

EPA

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "A difficult game played at a frenetic pace throughout. We could have won it but they had chances as well. In the end we didn't lose and hopefully we will make it at home.

"Both yellow cards for Aaron Ramsey are unbelievable When you see the fouls they have made today it's not serious. Just not serious."

Another game to come in Spain and it's a repeat of May's Champions League final, as the Spanish champions face the European champions.

Atletico have lost Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois, David Villa, Felipe Luis and Adrian, but have replaced them with Mario Mandzukic, Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak and Raul Jimenez.

Can Diego Simeone perform another miracle? It's almost 11pm in Madrid. Why not have a game?

League One full-time round-up

Fleetwood are the only side in League One to have won all three of their games, as two goals in the last 20 minutes saw them beat pointless Scunthorpe. Sheffield United have their first points of the season, with Ben Davies' late goal securing a 2-1 win at Peterborough.

Rochdale have thumped Crewe 5-2 - so the Alex continue their search for a first point. And Swindon left it late to snatch a last-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Gillingham.

Championship update

Lewis Grabban gets his second goal to make sure for Norwich as they lead Blackburn 3-1.

Ipswich level late at Birmingham through Christophe's Berra's second of the night to take a point and Middlesbrough go 2-1 up at Bolton through Garcia Martinez.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a gutsy performance from Arsenal. Over the piece, Besiktas created the better chances particularly from Demba Ba, who hit the crossbar. But saying that, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could have nicked it for Arsenal at the end when he hit the post.

"Arsenal will be pleased with the draw and Arsene Wenger will be pleased with his side's attitude and they've come away very much in the the tie."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC

It's extraordinarily early days - of course - but who are you backing to win the Champions League this season?

Can anyone get near Real Madrid or Barcelona? Bayern Munich in with a chance? Jose Mourino capable of steering Chelsea all the way?

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

FULL-TIME

Slaven Bilic didn't have to wait long - that's the final whistle.

Another sending off as Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic uses up his nine lives and is asked to leave by referee Milorad Mazic. He'll see out the final moments from inside the stadium.

Reuters

Mathieu Flamini takes a ball to the face and eats up some time. The home fans aren't too sympathetic but he's OK to carry on. Not long left now.

INJURY TIME

There are FOUR MINUTES added on in Istanbul. Can anyone steal the win?

Championship update

Brighton are on course for a first win of the season after going 2-0 up at Leeds as Kazenga LuaLua drives home a free-kick.

Norwich lead 2-1 against Blackburn thanks to an excellent strike from Bradley Johnson. Another beauty of a chip.

HITS THE WOODWORK

So close! Arsenal almost steal the winner in the last few minutes as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jinks inside from the right wing, he puts two defenders on their backsides and then fires in a left-footed curler which is tipped on to the post!

Unlucky...

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John, via text: "To answer your earlier question; I'd definitely choose Cesc Fabregas over Aaron Ramsey!"

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Scotty: Ramsey has been poor. Overconfidence always trying to over complicate things. Play it simple.

Josh Jackman: Such an unnecessary red card. Arsenal must just look to hold on for the draw now, which would be a very manageable result.

Rajveer Sakchiraphong: Unimpressed by the lads tonight. Too much reliance on Alexis and Ramsey. Wilshere needs to improve.

Into the last five. The Ataturk is whistling and buzzing away now as the home fans sense a chance to capitalise on Ramsey's red. Instead it is the Gunners who have a sniff of an opening, Olivier Giroud a highlighted quiff away from meeting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's delivery.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was a booking for Aaron Ramsey because he's held the shirt of the Besiktas player and stopped him getting forward. It's a yellow. But he's been sent off because the referee made a huge mistake giving him the booking earlier.

"0-0 is a good result now. Arsenal have really got to dig in now for these last 10 minutes."

The foul count must be huge in this game. If we had our usual live rolling stats feed I could tell you, but the second half in particular has been very stop-start-stop.

Aaron Ramsey will now miss next week's decider.

RED CARD

Well, we mentioned earlier that the bookings were totting up - and Aaron Ramsey sees red for a second cheap booking. Again he has his hands all over the shirt of Oguzhan Ozyakup and has to go for that.

This could be a tricky last 10 now...

Championship update

Substitute Lloyd Dyer puts Watford 1-0 up at Rotherham with the summer signing from Leicester City following up a save from Adam Collin to tap in his second goal of the season.

Nacho Monreal gets forward and wins a free-kick right on the edge of the area.

Santi Cazorla - illuminator of the FA Cup final at Wembley in May - eyes up the strike this time but can only skid it through the wall and into the arms of Tolga Zengin.

BBC Sport's Mark Mitchener at the Goldsands Stadium: "A smash and grab in prospect on the south coast. Callum Wilson had bundled early Championship leaders Bournemouth ahead as the home side's dominance finally told. But two headers in the space of five minutes, by Britt Assombalonga and Matty Fryatt, have been Nottingham Forest's only two efforts on target - and how crucial they may turn out to be. Stuart Pearce's side now have 15 minutes to hold the line. Cherries boss Eddie Howe has just sent on wingers Ryan Fraser and Marc Pugh, and it could be a grandstand finish."

Careful! Jack Wilshere gets involved with Mustafa Pektemek after a tasty challenge and it threatens to all kick off. But well done Milorad Mazic, the referee steps in to dampen the flames.

Quarter of an hour to go and Arsenal will be happy to get out with no injuries, no red cards and no goals conceded.

SUBSTITUTION

The flying machine comes in to land. Alexis Sanchez is replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Champions League update

EPA

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain powers in an equaliser for Napoli to make it 1-1 against Athletic Bilbao. Red Bull Salzburg look to be flying into the group stages of the Champions League - leading 2-0 against Malmo. Jonatan Soriano fired in the second after striking the woodwork three times for the Austrian side. After five goals in the first half, it is still 3-2 to Bayer Leverkusen at FC Copenhagen.

Into the last 20 minutes. It's all getting very additional, though Mathieu Debuchy does well on a rare foray forwards, beating his man and cutting the ball back but Olivier Giroud can't steer it in.

Championship update

Millwall concede their first goal of the season to fall 1-0 behind at Sheffield Wednesday. Chris Maguire squeezes a free-kick through the wall to put the Owls ahead on his 50th appearance for the club.

Birmingham are back in front against Ipswich as summer signing Clayton Donaldson races clear to slot home his first Championship goal for the Blues.

And two goals to tell you about on the south coast, Callum Wilson put Bournemouth 1-0 up against Nottingham Forest before Britt Assombalonga levelled for the visiting side.

League Two update

There's a while to go, but Morecambe and Burton could both have three wins from three tonight. The Shrimps are 1-0 up against pointless Oxford and the Brewers possess the same scoreline over Exeter. Shrewsbury are still three goals to the good against Accrington and Portsmouth are 2-0 up on Northampton.

YELLOW CARD

Nacho Monreal is the latest Arsenal man in the book. Arsene Wenger won't want any early suspensions, and that's four men in the book for the Gunners already.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"Besiktas have brought Olcay Sahan over to the left to help out the Brazilian left-back Ramon Motta to try to nullify Alexis Sanchez. That has taken away Arsenal's biggest threat and perhaps they are going to have to look for another route through."

Olivier Giroud is isolated at times and he keeps being penalised by referee Milorad Mazic. I take the point of El Kurdo a few minutes ago - Giroud and Yaya Sanogo appear to be the weak link in this Arsenal side.

But there aren't too many outstanding number nines around in world football. Everyone wants one...

Reuters

League One update

As things stand there will be no 100% records remaining in League One by the end of the night. Peterborough, Bristol City, Crawley and Fleetwood are all being held, while Chesterfield are 1-0 down against MK Dons. Goals galore between Coventry and Barnsley, where it is 2-2. And Crewe could be the only side yet to get off the mark, as they trail 3-1 at home to Rochdale.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

It's extraordinarily early days - of course - but who are you backing to win the Champions League this season?

Can anyone get near Real Madrid or Barcelona? Bayern Munich in with a chance? Jose Mourino capable of steering Chelsea all the way?

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

El Kurdo: Olivier Giroud is not going to win us the league. It's that simple. Why not play Joel Campbell?

Peter Vaz: Hate to ride against the tide of optimism, but unless we sign a top centre forward to match our rivals' finishing, we'll fall short again!

John McEnerney: Bilic will be happy with his team, watch them press hard in the last 10-15 mins. Arsenal need to play it smart or they'll get nowt.

Half an hour to go in Turkey. So far, so good as far as Arsene Wenger is concerned, though he won't be happy with Aaron Ramsey picking up a cheap booking.

Championship update

Nicky Maynard helped Wigan into the play-offs last season during a loan spell from Cardiff but back with his parent club he puts the Welsh club 1-0 up against the Latics by turning in a header from striking partner Kenwyne Jones.

Ipswich also get a goal early in the second half as Christophe Berra glances home a header from a free-kick to make it 1-1 at Birmingham.

And Brentford also strike, turning it round to go 2-1 up at Blackpool thanks to poor defending and a third goal of the season from Stuart Dallas.

All around the world

Getty Images

Something of a niche market? Probably. Arsenal Bulgaria supporters club, since 2004.

YELLOW CARD

Three bookings in a couple of minutes, Arsenal replacement Mathieu Flamini now cautioned for bringing down Veli Kavlak. Referee Milorad Mazic could lose control of this one if he's not careful.

YELLOW CARD

You don't get many clearer cut bookings than this. Arsenal look to counter, Alexis Sanchez knocks the ball 30 yards down the line into space and left-back Ramon Motta steps across and checks his man to the deck.

A booking followed by a very polite handshake with the prone Sanchez. Aaron Ramsey is then booked seconds later for a foul on the far side.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's been a lively start to the second half. Aaron Ramsey should have shot earlier but tried to take the extra touch. Down the other end, Beskitas broke quickly, Sahan cuts inside and tries to bend it past Szczesny's post. Two good chances at the end of the first half and two more at the start of this."

SUBSTITUTION

Mikel Arteta's evening is over. The Arsenal skipper hobbles off and is replaced by Mathieu Flamini.

EPA

Mikel Arteta has picked up a knock and it looks like the end of his game. Demba Ba's reaction to that miss from Olcay Sahan was great - he was up in the air celebrating in the centre circle, only to fall to his knees and roll in disbelief.

Championship update

A second penalty of the night at Bolton with Middlesbrough making it 1-1 thanks to Grant Leadbitter, who blasts home after David Wheater handles to claim his second goal of the season.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jeremy in Bristol, via text: "I still think he's a top class player, but Sanchez on the right wing is interesting seeing as his crossing is average at best. Was the same for Chile and he would never have crossed a ball playing for Barca. Thrives on diagonal runs from wide to get into scoring positions."

Jenni in Newtownards, via text: "Besiktas will rue that gilt-edged chance that Demba Ba missed so close to half-time. He simply had to score there."

CLOSE!

So close! Ragged stuff from Arsenal as they lose it cheaply and Olcay Sahan is away down the left.

He cuts inside Laurent Koscielny and goes to curl one into the far corner - but he flicks it just wide! Wojciech Szczesny was beaten all ends up. What an open start!

Big opening right at the start of the half! Olivier Giroud seizes upon a bad touch in the Besiktas backline and finds Aaron Ramsey haring through the middle. He decides to take a touch on the bobbly surface and it gets away from him - that had to be hammered first time. With his run of form you fancied the Welshman to just strike that...

KICK-OFF

Arsenal get the ball rolling, we are under way in the second half.

A 0-0 draw would go down as a good result for Arsenal tonight. They are 45 minutes away from shutting this one down.

Championship update

Half-times around the country but Charlton have time to go back in front against Derby thanks to a penalty from Yoni Buyens as the Belgium factor continues to pay off.

Bottom club Huddersfield are flying at unbeaten Reading in an 8pm kick-off as former Manchester City youngster Harry Bunn scores his first senior goal for the club to make it 2-0. His dad Frankie, who is on the coaching staff at Huddersfield, will be chuffed.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Faseeh Warind: Chambers seems like a bargain now. Expecting many English Arsenal players playing for England soon.

Matthew Harris: So much for Calum Chambers being the saviour of English defence: he just made a mistake.

Championship update

BBC Sport's Mark Mitchener at the Goldsands Stadium: "It's been one-way traffic on the south coast as early Championship leaders Bournemouth, defending a 100% record, have dominated against unbeaten Nottingham Forest. The corner count, 11-1 in the Cherries' favour, is not an inaccurate reflection of the play, with Matt Ritchie and Adam Smith tearing Forest apart down the right and visiting keeper Karl Darlow keeping his side in the game with several saves. It took 39 minutes for Forest's first effort at goal - an off-target header. But Stuart Pearce's Forest have weathered the storm so far."

Champions League update

AP

Iker Munian has scored a crucial away goal for Athletic Bilbao as they lead 1-0 at half-time at Napoli. The goals keep coming at FC Copenhagen, but the Danish side are now losing 3-2 to Bayer Leverkusen. Ludogrets keeper Vladislav Stoyanov saved a penalty from Alexandru Chipciu as the Bulgarian side's game in Steaua Bucharest remains goalless while Red Bull Salzburg lead 1-0 against Malmo.

League Two half-time update

Portsmouth are matching their billing as League Two promotion hopefuls as they lead 2-0 at home to Northampton, who themselves had started the campaign well. Unbeaten Shrewsbury have romped to a 3-0 half-time advantage against Accrington. And Cambridge United, searching for their first away victory in the Football League for nine years, are 2-1 up at York.

League One half-time update

It's pretty tight up and down League One. Peterborough United and Sheffield United kicked off at 19:30 BST so they're starting the second half with the score 1-1. Pointless Rochdale have come from behind to lead Crewe 2-1, while Port Vale's one-goal advantage at Oldham has them top of the table. Coventry are looking for back-to-back wins and are 2-1 up on Barnsley.

A Real test...

Getty Images

As anybody fortunate enough to have spent a few nights in Madrid can testify, they do things late over there.

Try and nab a spot of dinner before 8pm and you'll be treated with confusion and bemusement. If a Madrileno asks you to go for a drink, expect to be out until 3am. Even in midweek.

Tonight's Super Cup first leg is no different, with a curfew-busting 22:00 BST kick-off at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid have won one trophy already this season, and this is number two on their six-long hitlist.

We'll bring you all the action from Gareth Bale and the boys, so clear the decks.

Championship update

Bolton won just six times at home last season and were held at the Macron Stadium by Nottingham Forest last Saturday. But they have their noses in front against Middlesbrough thanks to a penalty from Craig Davies, who picks himself up after being tripped to convert his second penalty of the campaign.

Brentford make it 1-1 at Blackpool thanks to on-loan Tottenham midfielder Alex Pritchard, who steers home a shot from just inside the penalty area.

HALF-TIME

CLOSE!

EPA

And then a chance at the other end! Aaron Ramsey threading a fine ball through but Olivier Giroud can't connect...

CLOSE!

Calum Chambers - he's been brilliant so far but he makes a real hash of playing the ball away and it almost costs Arsenal dear.

Demba Ba intercepts his pass, brings the ball forward, cuts inside Laurent Koscielny to open up the target but he then drags a shot wide of the near post.

Has to score...

Big hit on Olivier Giroud! Centre-half Pedro Franco wins the ball cleanly but smashes Giroud to the floor in his follow-through. Slaven Bilic is out of his seat remonstrating with the award of a free-kick. That was his bread-and-butter as a player...

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David Spencer: Chambers is playing like he's been in the Champions League for season after season!

Mike Simpson: Giroud needs support in the middle. If someone pushes up with him, Arsenal will score.

Jamie Atkins: I'd like to see Sanchez up top because he is no Ozil when it comes to passing.

A big call from the big man - but Calum Chambers looks the business.

Chance for Arsenal at the other end though, their first effort on target, as Jack Wilshere curls one into the arms of Tolga Zengin.

Besiktas immediately slap a shot over the top, that man Veli Kavlak firing over from 25 yards.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"I've been really impressed by Calum Chambers. He's slotted in as if he's been there all his life. He's quick, young, reads the game well and is a good size for a centre half - he's basically got the lot.

"He needs to stay in the side and get used to playing in these sort of games. Arsene Wenger has Per Mertersacker coming back but I'll tell you what I'd do, I'd stay with Chambers."

Another brilliant tackle from Calum Chambers, moving across to cover and bring down Demba Ba right on the edge of the box with a well-timed lunge. Marvellous stuff from the teenager.

League Two update

Jed Wallace has Portsmouth in front against Northampton Town in a battle between unbeaten sides. Wycombe's 100% record is at risk as they trail against Tranmere. Elsewhere Dagenham & Redbridge, Mansfield, Shrewsbury and Cambridge United are winning their games 1-0.

Championship update

The goals are flying in and none better than Jamie Ward's effort for Derby as he locates the top corner from 20 yards to make it 1-1 at Charlton.

Nice. Good hold-up play again from Demba Ba as he takes the ball down and lays it back to Veli Kavlak, his shot is true and hard but Wojciech Szczesny watches it all the way and gathers it in.

There's then a half-hearted penalty shout for Arsenal to worry about but Calum Chambers makes a decent tackle. He's started very well in the centre of defence.

Championship update

PA

Birmingham couldn't buy a home win last season with the worst record in the country but could be on the way to a second in the space of four days after former Burnley and Newcastle defender David Edgar heads them 1-0 in front against Ipswich from a David Cotterill corner.

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Rob Alderman: I know it's early days but Chambers could be the cultured centre back to replace Rio in England's defence. Looks assured.

Johnny Magrinho: Alexis Sanchez for £32M - what a steal. Lallana for £25M? I know who I'd rather have.

Jamie Atkins: Arsenal are far too wasteful with dead balls, given that if you find Giroud/Koscielny then they have good ability in the air.

AP

Denmark is the place to be for goals tonight with FC Copenhagen leading Bayer Leverkusen 2-1. Veteran forward Mathias Jorgensen and Daniel Amartey scored twice in four minutes after they fell behind to Stefan Kiessling's early strike. Red Bull Salzburg lead Malmo 1-0 but there's no goals in the game between Napoli and Athletic Bilbao with Michu on the bench for the home side.

League One update

Sheffield United are in search of their first points of the season, but Jose Baxter's strike has been matched by Shaun Brisley's header at Peterborough. Port Vale are top of the temporary table courtesy of Tom Pope's strike at Oldham.

Meanwhile, Coventry lead Barnsley, Crewe are beating Rochdale, Swindon trail at Gillingham and Notts County are in front against Colchester.

The home side are now having a good spell of sustained pressure, moving the ball patiently from left to right. They seem to have targeted Nacho Monreal, getting the ball out to the right wing time and again. The Spanish left-back is holding out though.

EPA

Championship update

It's lively at Carrow Road where Norwich make it 1-1 against Blackburn thanks to Lewis Grabban, who follows up his penalty, saved by Paul Robinson, to tap in and make it two in two for the former Bournemouth man. It looked a harsh handball call.

Managerless Huddersfield finally have something to cheer as they lead 1-0 at Reading thanks to a strike from Jacob Butterfield, the midfielder's first since his arrival from Middlesbrough as part of the deal that took Adam Clayton to the Riverside.

A sign of what Arsene Wenger has seen in Calum Chambers there. Jack Wilshere plays him into trouble with a risky backpass under severe pressure, the obvious ball was to just hook it into Row Z but Chambers casually takes a touch and pings the ball back into Wilshere's feet. Classy.

Championship update

Blackpool's makeshift team is yet to claim a point but things are looking up at the seaside as former Aston Villa and England under-21 striker Nathan Delfouneso puts them 1-0 up against Brentford with a header. It's his first goal in 30 appearances for the club spread over two loan spells and a permanent move.

Olivier Giroud gets away from his man and Arsenal momentarily have a two-on-one, the French forward tries to play it out to Alexis Sanchez but a combination of a bad touch, a worse pitch and good pressure from the covering centre-back scuppers the chance.

Giroud, on his first start of the season, is looking sharp.

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Jonatan L: Bad pitch, physical play and quick counter attacks. The three corner stones to beating Arsenal.

Paul Anthony Collins: Ba is quality. Didn't get a fair chance at Chelsea as they kept playing Torres to try justify his stupid price tag.

Ben The Gooner: With the way Besiktas are sprinting to close down, Arsenal need to play their game, let Besiktas run and tire themselves out.

He's been very eye-catching has Alexis Sanchez. I wonder how he and Theo Walcott would fit in the same XI?

Arsenal have had a good five minutes. A ropey opening maybe, but they've took the sting out of Besiktas and now look good in possession.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"Alexis Sanchez is causing all sorts of problems with his speed. Arsenal had not started well, Besiktas are controlling the midfield, but Arsenal have been better over the last couple of minutes. Sanchez has been absolutely brilliant and he's looking to run with the ball and use his speed every time."

Championship update

Charlton have made a tidy start under new boss Bob Peeters and are carrying on the good work thanks to a first goal for the club from fellow Belgian George Tucudean, who fires home on the turn to pierce Derby's defence for the first time this season and put the Addicks 1-0 up.

CLOSE!

Great play again from Alexis Sanchez, who mugs a defender taking a extra touch on the edge of the box. Sanchez squares him up before finding Santi Cazorla just inside, he goes the long way round but finds a yard of space inside the penalty area and drags a low shot right across goal.

Better from Arsenal, and a very fast, frenetic and open start to the game in Istanbul...

It's all opening up at the Ataturk. Alexis Sanchez gets the ball on the right with turf in front of him and he motors away, real pace, all sorts of pace, and he soon bears down on the penalty area.

He finds Olivier Giroud on the corner of the six-yard box, he has a man on his back and his shot is well blocked, looping up and cleared in the end.

EPA

GREAT SAVE!

Lovely effort! Demba Ba is revelling being the main man in a side again, lashing in a stinging left-footed volley on the stretch after a well-lofted cross in. It's hard on target but Wojciech Szczesny flies to his left to push it away.

Championship update

Brighton are yet to get a point but lead at Leeds, who have won their first two at home in league and cup, thanks to a cool finish from on-loan Liverpool striker Joao Teixeira.

Mathieu Debuchy is felled by a sliding Necip Uysal, that's a tasty early challenge which leaves the French right-back clutching at his shin. Arsene Wenger's early concerns about the pitch look justified - it's very patchy and brown in places.

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Rian Hoskins: Wasn't great at Chelsea but Demba Ba is a very good striker who would make many Premier League teams. He's a threat to Arsenal.

Unsimple Simon: Ba has an eye for the goal. Pity he didn't move to another PL club.

It's a very bright start from the hosts, with Besiktas raiding down the left flank. Santi Cazorla is the unlikely last line of defence, getting a foot in on the edge of the box and just about getting that ball away. Arsenal will be happy to see the opening 10 minutes out here.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"What an audacious effort and he nearly pulled it off, Demba Ba! That will go down as a good save by the way. Wojciech Szczesny had to track back. If he wanted to get the crowd up early, Ba's certainly done that."

Championship update

Tom Cairney draws first blood on the night with a cracking strike to give Blackburn a 1-0 lead at Norwich after 49 seconds. It possibly eclipses the goal the midfielder scored against Cardiff City on the opening night.

HITS THE WOODWORK

What a start! Demba Ba shoots from kick-off, he nearly catches out Wojciech Szczesny from the centre-circle and the ball hits the top of the crossbar!

Amazing opening, and a lucky escape for the Gunners. That was a fine effort...

KICK-OFF

Besiktas get us under way - it's not full in the Ataturk but it's loud enough!

The players are out in Istanbul then. It's a dodgy pitch, Arsenal have a teenage centre-half who's really a right-back - could this get tricky?

EPA

Ramsey or Cesc?

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a close one. Cesc Fabregas is 27, Ramsey 23. Cesc has been there, seen it, done it. He's been at Barcelona, which is a massive, massive club, and he was an Arsenal favourite.

"I've seen Ramsey grow up from a child when he was growing up in Wales. He showed great spirit coming back from a career-threatening injury. And now he's added goals to his games - 17 or 18 or last season and big goals in his last three games - the FA Cup final, in the Community Shield at Wembley and the winner at the weekend.

"If I was going for one, I would have to go for the Welshman, who also wears 16 - the same number I wore."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on ITV: "We want to go into the group stage and that's the best motivation. It's a tough game, it's windy and the pitch is not the best at all."

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Manchester United: "#mufc has reached agreement with Sporting Lisbon to sign defender Marcos Rojo, subject to a medical and personal terms."

LINE-UPS

Besiktas: Zengin, Koybasi, Franco, Gulum, Ramon, Uysal, Pektemek, Ozyakup, Kavlak, Sahan, Ba. Subs: Gonen, Kurtulus, Sivok, Tore, Koyunlu, Tosun, Boral.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Sanchez, Ramsey, Cazorla, Giroud. Subs: Martinez, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flamini, Campbell, Bellerin, Miquel.

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

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Who would you choose - Cesc Fabregas or Aaron Ramsey?

Alex Smith: Ramsey as good as Zidane? Zidane is in a league of his own that shall never be reached again, purely masterful.

Matthew Burford: If Arsenal wanted Cesc they would have got him but Ramsey is as good now and is a better goal scorer than Cesc.

Vishnu Ladwa: I would take Fabregas' assists and Rambo's goals.

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

Rojo latest

Getty Images

An update from Old Trafford:

Manchester United are set to confirm the signing of Argentina defender Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon, with Nani returning to Portugal on loan as part of the deal.

The Portuguese club, which is listed on the stock exchange in Lisbon, said the transfer of Rojo is worth £16m.

Sporting have also confirmed that Nani is returning, seven years after the winger joining United, and tweeted: "Welcome home Nani."

United sources have indicated the Rojo deal is yet to be completed but a formal announcement is expected soon.

Believe in Bilic

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It's not just about Demba Ba. Arsenal will come up against another familiar face this evening, as former West Ham defender and guitarist Slaven Bilic is now coach of the Turkish side. Here he is playing a textbook 'G' chord.

As well as being a handy axeman old Slaven is also a decent motivator, and will not take any nonsense from his players tonight.

"Arsenal are favourites, but we have to believe," he says.

"We won't be doing on-the-pitch selfies with Alexis Sanchez, Mikel Arteta or Olivier Giroud. We are not here to swap shirts with them. No! We have a plan and we're a big club, too. Arsenal are the favourites, but we'll do our best."

Quite right sir...

Let's talk about Cesc

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was left purring at the performance of Cesc Fabregas in Monday's win over Burnley, calling him a "maestro".

In his Premier League debut for the club, the midfielder had a hand in all three goals in a 3-1 victory and made the kind of impact that reinforced Mourinho's view of what the Spaniard will bring to his team.

In pre-season, Mourinho described Fabregas as "the missing piece of our engine", and said he was delighted to attract the sort of "football brain" his side were missing.

A good start then - but is he better than Aaron Ramsey? Let us know...

Reasons to be fearful

Empics

Besiktaş have won their last 12 home games in the qualifying phases of Uefa competitions since a 1-1 draw with Hapoel Haifa in the 1999-00 Champions League second qualifying round.

Their aggregate score in those games has been 27-3, and new signing Demba Ba is in good touch. The ex-Chelsea and Newcastle man scored a hat-trick in the last round and has scored goals against the Gunners before.

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Who would you choose - Cesc Fabregas or Aaron Ramsey?

Jack McGrath: Ramsey, because of his defensive intelligence in addition to Fabregas's vision and technique.

Michael Jeffers: Man Utd fan, Fabregas all day long, far better with ball and been doing it at highest level for how long, European experience.

Henry Kamp: Ramsey is the best midfielder in the world. On par with Zidane in his prime. Cesc is a flop.

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

Former Arsenal forward John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's important for Arsenal to be in the Champions League. They finished in the top four when they wanted the top three but we are where we are and they could have done without this game. Arsene Wenger has picked a very strong side and it's important that they are in those group stages.

"The finances are important. When you sign players like Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers that's close to £60m and that's what makes this game very tricky and it's never easy coming to Turkey.

"Arsenal's is a strong side, Wenger's added two defenders and a midfielder-attacker. But I still they are think a couple of players short. I would like to see them bring in a striker, someone like Loic Remy, to take the pressure off Giroud and Sanogo. They could do with someone who can score 18-20 goals."

BBC World Service sports reporter John Bennett: Last time Demba Ba scored against Arsenal, Arsene Wenger's side won 7-3. Ba found the net twice but Newcastle were beaten at the Emirates.

Turkish delight?

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Arsenal have yet to lose over 90 minutes against Turkish sides, conceding just twice in seven meetings.

But they do have painful memories in there. The 2000 Uefa Cup final was won by Galatasaray on penalties after a 0-0 draw, with Patrick Vieira and Davor Suker missing the decisive kicks.

Text us on 81111

BBC

Ajay in London via text: Cesc was a great player for Arsenal, technically gifted but in Rambo we have a box to box player and a real match winner.

Destiny Ojo via text: Personally on run of form I would have Ramsey but you can never ignore the class of Fabregas.

Andrew via text: Tonight's game could be tricky enough for Arsenal, you won't find a louder, more passionate crowd than Besiktas anywhere else in European football. An early goal to silence the crowd would be ideal, but a score draw would be a great result tonight.

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

Team News

Former Chelsea and Newcastle striker Demba Ba starts up front for Besiktas.

Besiktas: Tolga, İsmail, Motta, Ersan, Pedro, Olcay, Veli, Necip, Oğuzhan, Mustafa, Demba Ba

@footyphilwye

BBC Radio 5 live football producer Phil Wye: Besiktas fans' flag action

Team News

Very, very strong. Arsenal make just two changes from the team which started against Crystal Palace, as Nacho Monreal and Olivier Giroud come in.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Alexis, Cazorla, Giroud

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

EPA

Who would you choose - Cesc Fabregas or Aaron Ramsey?

Rob Yann: Yes, I would have loved to have Cesc and he is world class, but Ramsey is on his way to being world class and younger.

Karl Bloomer: I think Fabregas is a more rounded player at the moment, but in time Ramsey can be better.

Thomas Smalley: Love watching Rambo play but give me Cesc all day long.

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

BBC Radio 5 live

You can follow all the action from Istanbul on BBC Radio 5 live. Build-up starts in just a moment at 19:00 BST, with full commentary from John Murray at 19:45 BST with John Hartson summarising.

That is followed at 21:40 BST with the 5 live Football Social, which will take your calls, texts and social media reaction.

Don't forget, we are asking who you would rather have in your side, Cesc Fabregas or Aaron Ramsey?

Football League preview

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Cheltenham, with two wins out of two in League Two, take on pointless Carlisle, who will be desperate to stop the rot following relegation last season.

It's the same scenario for leaders Morecambe against Oxford, while Luton again try and secure a first home win in the Football League since 2009 with Bury the visitors to Kenilworth Road.

And Portsmouth, watched by a crowd of 16,671 last Saturday, should have another bumper gate at Fratton Park as they take on Northampton Town, who have made an impressive start under Chris Wilder.

Football League preview

Peterborough are looking to extend their perfect start in League One at the expense of Nigel Clough's Sheffield United, who are in danger of repeating last season's slow start under former boss David Weir.

Bristol City's revival under Steve Cotterill faces an examination at home to Leyton Orient, who started to shake off the hangover of last season's play-off defeat with a first win at Oldham at the weekend.

Scunthorpe pipped Fleetwood to automatic promotion from League Two last season but the Cod Army have started better this time around and will be looking to make it three out of three against the pointless Iron at Glanford Park.

Football League preview

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Early leaders Bournemouth take on unbeaten Nottingham Forest in what looks the game of the night in the Championship.

Eddie Howe's Cherries have been quick out of the traps but will be tested by a potentially resurgent Forest who will be looking to avenge a 4-1 thumping on the south coast in April.

An unbeaten record could also go when fast-starting Millwall face Sheffield Wednesday, while Brighton, Blackpool and Huddersfield all seek a first point and the possibility of sending Fulham to the bottom before they play Wolves on Wednesday.

As well as Champions League action, there is also a full Football League programme this evening. Here's what's on the cards:

Catch the Continental drift

There are four other Champions League play-off ties this evening.

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez hailed Athletic Bilbao as "a complete team" ahead of their first leg in Italy. The former Liverpool boss, who could give a debut to Spanish striker Michu - on loan from Swansea City, said: "They have the advantage of having played together for many years.

FC Copenhagen are one of the few sides to have made a start to their domestic league but have won just one of their opening five games ahead of the visit of Bayer Leverkusen. Elsewhere Austria's FC Salzburg host Malmo, of Sweden, and Romanian club Steaua Bucharest play Ludogorets Razgrad of Bulgaria.

Daily Mail football writer Matt Barlow: Ataturk Olympic Stadium where Liverpool won in 2005 is far from full but Besiktas fans are getting noisy and there's a cat in the press box.

Qualification to the Champions League group stages will bring Arsenal £6.8m in prize money, with each subsequent group match worth in the region of £2.4m in additional match-day revenue.

No pressure lads!

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

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Confirmation from Portugal that Manchester United winger Nani has re-joined former club Sporting Lisbon.

Nani only signed a new five-year deal last summer but was evidently not part of Louis van Gaal's plans. His move is expected to be tied in to defender Marcos Rojo going the other way.

@johncrossmirror

Daily Mirror football correspondent John Cross: View from inside the Olympic Stadium, Istanbul. Pretty sure a rather special game was played here a few years ago. . .

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We should have team news from Istanbul shortly, and one man Arsenal fans will be banking on playing tonight is Aaron Ramsey.

From misfit to £40m man - that was the pricetag put on the Welshman by MOTD pundit Alan Shearer this weekend.

But who would you rather have in your side - Ramsey or former Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas? Cesc was in fine form on his Chelsea debut last night, but is he a better bet?

Let us know. You can text in to 81111 (UK Only), tweet us at #bbcfootball, post on our Facebook page or message us on our Google+ page.

Where are we?

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Tonight's big game is not strictly speaking a home game for either side.

Arsenal will face Besiktas at the 72,000-capacity Ataturk Stadium, where Liverpool beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final, as Besiktas's new Vodafone Arena is being redeveloped.

Where's Jerzy Dudek when you need him?

Reasons to be cheerful

Arsenal could have had an easier tie, but their record in Champions League qualifying is, well, perfect.

In 12 ties the Gunners have never been held, eliminating Dinamo Zagreb (2006-07), Sparta Prague (2007-08), FC Twente (2008-09), Celtic (2009-10), Udinese (2011-12) and Fenerbahce last season.

They made light work of fellow Turks Fenerbahce last August, picking up a 3-0 victory in Istanbul before wrapping things up with a 2-0 win at the Emirates,

In fact, Arsenal have scored eight goals in the course of their last two games in Istanbul. Easy?

Bayern Munich, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Barcelona, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona.

The last nine teams to knock Arsenal out of the Champions League share 25 European Cup wins between them. Is this the season that Arsenal get their hands on number one?

They have never met Besiktas before. A draw in Istanbul would be a good start...

Out Gunned?

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The road to Berlin begins here for Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal have not progressed beyond the last 16 of the Champions League since 2010, and it is now nine seasons since their one and only final appearance.

The signings of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have added a touch of continental sheen to the Arsenal side in the last 12 months, but before they can dream of a run on the final stages they must qualify.

Tonight sees the first leg of their play-off tie with Turkish side Besiktas. There are no easy games at this level - and this could be a tough ask for Wenger and co.

AP

Will the Ataturk stadium in Istanbul carry the same level of menace as the club's old Inonu Stadium? Will Demba Ba be a thorn in Calum Chambers' side? Can Arsenal live without Yaya Sanogo up front?

We shall find out shortly....