Santi Cazorla has urged his Arsenal teammates to ignore the fiery atmosphere in Istanbul when they face Besiktas in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.

The Gunners play the Turkish side tonight as they look to take a step towards the group stage of the competition.

While Cazorla is expecting an intimidating reception for the visitors inside the ​Inonu Stadium, the Spaniard is hopeful that they can come away with a positive result.

"Turkish football is lived with passion, even more so when it comes to a Champions League playoff. This cannot affect us, though," he told the club's official website.

"We will go there to play football, thinking about what we have to do and trying to separate ourselves from the atmosphere."

Arsenal started their Premier League campaign on Saturday with a 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace.