Arsenal FC beat Partizan 3-1 in the second match in Group H of the Champions League. The Premier League side broke the deadlock early on in the game played in Belgrade through Arshavin, but Partizan striker Cleo levelled the score from a penalty kick. Chamakh restored the favourites' lead on 71 minutes, while defender Squillaci sealed the win for the Londoners on 82 minutes. In the other clash of the group, Shakhtar demolished Braga 3-0 away.

An unexpected drama enveloped prior to the match in Belgrade when the stadium officials struggled to maintain power supply to the floodlights, which came off and on in the lead-up to the game due to an electrical malfunction.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshire made a run down the left flank, passed a square ball to Arshavin, who came into the penalty area, after which the two played out a terrific one-two resembling more a five-a-side match. Wilshire's back-heel teed up the ball for the Russian, who drilled the ball into Stojkovic's net.

Partizan players looked demoralised by the conceded goal and the English giants assumed control of the proceedings, while it was the hosts' goalkeeper – Vladimir Stojkovic – who came out big on three occasions to leave his team in the match.

After an obvious handling of the ball from Arsenal midfielder Denilson, referee Stark pointed to the spot. Partizan striker Cleo went for placement and slotted the ball in one corner, as Arsenal goalkeeper Fabianski went the other way. The equaliser was the signal for the home crowd to go wild in celebrations of the team's first Champions League group stage goal in seven years.

There were no changes at half time and in the opening minutes of the second half Arsenal had two tremendous opportunities to restore their lead, but Chamakh and Rosicky's shots were parried by fabulous Partizan goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Partizan defender Jovanovic fouled Marouane Chamkh as the last defender, after which Stark gave a penalty to Arsenal and Jovanovic received a red card for the clumsy tackle on the Moroccan attacker on 65 minutes.

Visa Regime