Champions League

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Champions League | Group Stage

Dec 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Galatasaray Galatasaray
1-4
Arsenal

Sneijder (88')

FT(HT: 0-3)

Podolski (3', 92'), Ramsey (11', 29')

Half-Time Report: Aaron Ramsey brace puts Arsenal in commanding position

By Kristian Johnson, Reporter | 09 December 2014

Arsenal have a comfortable 3-0 lead over Galatasaray at half time of their Champions League tie in Istanbul.

A goal from Lukas Podolski and a brace from Aaron Ramsey have given Arsenal a comfortable 3-0 lead over Galatasaray in their final Champions League Group D game.

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

Arsenal made a dream start as 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, 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.