Reliving 4 Memorable Matches for Arsenal in Turkey

Arsenal are about to travel to Turkey to face Besiktas in the Champions League qualifying round.

It's a huge match for the club, who know they must be in Europe's elite competition if they are to satisfy the ambitions of their star-studded squad. The portents are good. Arsenal have yet to lose over 90 minutes against Turkish sides, and they have conceded just twice in seven meetings.

Their record in Turkey is very respectable, too. In this piece we look back at four memorable Arsenal encounters in Turkey.

Arsenal 0-0 Galatasaray, 2000

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Although Arsenal have not lost over 90 minutes on Turkish soil, they did lose the UEFA Cup Final of 2000 against Galatasaray on penalties.

The match was particularly painful, and not just because of the result: The evening was marred by ugly riots in and around the stadium.

In the shootout itself, Davor Suker and Patrick Vieira both hit the woodwork to send the Turkish team on their way to victory.

Fenerbahce 0-3 Arsenal, 2013

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Arsenal faced Turkish opposition at this stage of the Champions League last season, too, emerging as comfortable victors against Fenerbahce.

In the Turkish leg, the Gunners won 3-0. It was a huge victory, coming off the back of a dispiriting opening day defeat to Aston Villa. It sparked a run of 10 victories on the spin and was capped by a superb goal from Aaron Ramsey.

Fenerbahce 2-5 Arsenal, 2008

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Arsenal went goal crazy in this Champions League match from 2007/08. A midfield featuring Alex Song and Abou Diaby were simply too powerful for Fenerbahce, and the Gunners emerged as comfortable winners.

Diaby was arguably the star on the night, tormenting the Turks with his quick footwork and scoring a terrific goal with his left foot.

A result of this ilk would be very welcome against Besiktas.

Fenerbahce 0-0 Arsenal, 1979

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Arsenal met Fenerbahce in a crunch Cup Winners' Cup tie in 1979.

Having won the first leg 2-0, an Arsenal side featuring the likes of Liam Brady played out a 0-0 draw to ensure qualification for the next round. David O'Leary and Pat Rice were particularly outstanding as Arsenal maintained a clean sheet.

Arsenal ended up going all the way to the final but lost on penalties against Valencia.