Tuesday, 19th August, 2014
Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic has declared that his side are ready to challenge Arsenal in their Champions League playoff tie.
The Gunners, who have reached the group stage of the continental tournament 16 seasons in a row, will face Besiktas at the Vodafone Arena tonight, before welcoming the Turkish outfit to the Emirates Stadium on 27th August.
And Bilic admitted that Arsenal are favourites for the tie, but the Croatian insisted that his side will give their all over the two legs to realise their dream of playing in the Champions League.
The former Everton and West Ham United defender, who feels Arsenal are one of the strongest teams in Europe, also revealed that the Black Eagles have done their homework and are prepared for the tie.
"We are ready with everything for this game", he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
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"We know the opponent very well and have prepared well. We have respect for our opponents, because we are playing against one of the strongest teams in Europe.
"Arsenal are the favourites, but we will also try our best. We have a dream and we will do our best to make it happen."
Arsenal, who are yet to win a Champions League, defeated another Turkish club, Fenerbahce, to book their place in the group stage of the competition last term.
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