With only 10 men in the last 15 minutes, thanks to Alexis Sanchez's goal, the Emirates team still won 1-0 against Besiktas in the second leg of the play-off round yesterday.

Arsenal are still a monster in the Champions League play-offs, with an overall winning record. Photo: AFP.

The goalless draw in Turkey in the first leg meant that both Arsenal and Besiktas had to go all out for the return leg at the Emirates. Arsenal had to win to progress while Besiktas only needed a goalless draw.

And, in that crucial match, the bravery and experience of a team that had participated in the Champions League play-offs many times helped Arsenal win despite having to play with one less player from the 75th minute due to the indirect red card of right-back Debuchy. Alexis - the new player worth 60 million dollars bought from Barcelona in July - shone with the only goal in the first half's injury time.

Arsenal entered the match with a big disadvantage in terms of personnel, missing three key players, including striker Olivier Giroud, defensive midfielder Mikel Arteta due to injury, and attacking midfielder Aaron Ramsey due to suspension. But despite those losses, the Premier League representative still played aggressively and quickly dominated the match. Besiktas chose an active defensive strategy with a large number of players in their own half, but still exposed gaps.

Zengin's goal was therefore constantly on alert due to the shots from Sanchez and his teammates. In the 9th minute, Jack Wilshere's shot missed the target by a hair's breadth in a good position. Immediately after, it was Santi Cazorla's turn to shoot the ball wide when the Besiktas goal was empty.

Failing to take advantage of good opportunities, Arsenal almost paid the price with sharp counter-attacks from the visitors. Former Chelsea player, Demba Ba, made the defense of the home team at Emitates Stadium work hard many times.

Arsenal finally found a turning point in the first half, when the first half entered injury time. From a good combination between Wilshere and Ozil, Sanchez quickly finished accurately, opening the score for Arsenal. This was the first goal of the former Barca striker since joining the London team.

Alexis's golden goal (red shirt). Photo: AFP.

After the break, Besiktas pushed up their formation in search of an equalizer. Arsenal then switched to a defensive counter-attack. That style of play was effective. They not only protected their goal but also created many chances for Sanchez, Debuchy and Chamberlain. However, none of them converted into goals to double the gap for the home team.

Arsenal only slowed down their attack after Debuchy received a second yellow card for tracking his opponent in midfield, which resulted in an indirect red card and he was sent off in the 75th minute. However, Wenger's players still stood firm, maintaining their lead until the end of the match.

Line-up:

Arsenal: Szczesny - Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal - Flamini, Wilshere - Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil (Chambers, 76), Cazorla - Sanchez

Unused subs: Martinez, Coquelin, Rosicky, Podolski, Sanogo, Campbell

Besiktas: Zengin - Koybasi, Franco, Gulum, Motta - Hutchinson, Ozyakup, Kavlak, (Uysal 76) - Pektemek (Tosun 87), Ba, Sahan (Tore, 60)

Unused Subs: Gonen, Kurtulus, Sivok, Koyunlu

Yellow cards: Kavlak, Ozyakup, Franco, Hutchinson, Uysal, Tore.

Referee: Pedro Proenca

According to Vnexpress