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Galatasaray
Champions League | Group Stage
Dec 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

1-4

Sneijder (88')
FT(HT: 0-3)
Podolski (3', 92'), Ramsey (11', 29')

Arsenal through as runners up despite victory

Arsenal progress to the last 16 of the Champions League as runners-up in Group D after a 4-1 victory away at Galatasaray.

Arsenal have finished second in Group D of the Champions League despite a comprehensive 4-1 win away at Galatasaray this evening.

Their deserved victory in Istanbul was not enough to top the group, as Borussia Dortmund drew 1-1 with Anderlecht to seal top spot.

Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (3R) celebrates with team mates as he scores their third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match against Galatasaray on December 9, 2014© Getty Images

Arsenal made a dream start as Lukas Podolski lashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle in the third minute of the match to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.

The hosts then had two chances to restore parity, but Hakan Balta flashed a shot wide of goal before Wesley Sneijder was denied by Wojciech Szczesny.

Sixty seconds after Szczesny's save, Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal two goals ahead with a calm finish into the bottom corner following a neat interchange with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Podolski.

The German forward then rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike, and shortly afterwards Ramsey effectively put the game out of Galatasaray's reach with a thunderous half-volley from 25 yards which flew into the top corner.

Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (R) scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match against Galatasaray on December 9, 2014© Getty Images

Podolski squandered another chance shortly before the interval as Arsenal completely dominated the first half.

The game took on a slightly more pedestrian pace in the second half and Galatasaray came close to making it 3-1 through Sneijder, but the midfielder's curling effort dropped narrowly wide of the upright.

After a comfortable first half, the Gunners were forced to defend after the break and only a flying Per Mertesacker block prevented Umut Bulut from getting on the scoresheet.

In the 88th minute, Sneijder netted a consolation goal for Galatasaray, but Podolski ensured that Arsenal had the final say with his second goal of the game in the 93rd minute.

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Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (R) scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match against Galatasaray on December 9, 2014
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