Beşiktaş continue unbeaten run in Champs League


Turkish title-holders Beşiktaş have forgotten defeat both in the domestic league and in European tournaments. The UEFA Champions League match between Beşiktaş and Napoli in Group B ended in a 1-1 draw Tuesday at Vodafone Arena in Istanbul. As a result, Beşiktaş have become only the second Turkish team to avoid defeat in their first four matches in a European tournament, after Fenerbahçe. Beşiktaş also have not lost at their new stadium, Vodafone Arena, in 12 matches. Beşiktaş, who beat Napoli 3-2 in Italy two weeks ago, have never advanced to the knockout stage, although the Turkish club did reach the quarterfinals of the old European Cup in 1987.

Beşiktaş coach Şenol Güneş said, "We feel a bittersweet happiness. If we could have won, we would have had a very big advantage."

Beşiktaş's late goal came from Ricardo Quaresma from a penalty kick in the 78th minute, but in the 82nd minute, Marek Hamsik scored the equalizer for Napoli. The Eagles are next scheduled to play Portugal's Benfica on Nov. 23 in Istanbul.

Napoli remain in a good position to advance from their Champions League group. Napoli and Benfica both have seven points in Group B, after Benfica beat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 later Tuesday. The group remains tight with Beşiktaş on six points. Dynamo is last with one point.

"Falling behind was a tough blow. But we showed our fortitude, which perhaps has been lacking at times this season," Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina said.

"Let's not forget that we're in the Champions League and in a setting like this one it's never easy to play," Reina added of the loud noise level inside the Vodafone Arena. "It's not by chance that they haven't lost at home yet this season. But that's why we dream about becoming footballers: to play in settings like these." "Right now we've got to look at the performance, which was great tonight. But the result leaves a bitter taste in our mouths," Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri said. "We controlled the match and risked very little."