Fabregas double earns a group hug
8 August 2006CNN
LONDON, England -- Arsenal look set for a place in the Champions League group stage after Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas scored twice in a 3-0 qualifying win at Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
Fabregas was on target after 63 and 79 minutes with Dutchman Robin van Persie grabbing the other goal on 64 as last season's finalists triumphed after a goalless first half in their third qualifying round, first leg game.
The return leg will be played in north London on August 23.
Arsenal, beaten by Barcelona in the May final in Paris, were rewarded for their patience after Dinamo had packed their half in a bid to frustrate Arsene Wenger's side.
Fabregas made the breakthrough with an eight-meter shot and Van Persie struck a minute later, knocking in a left-footed drive from 15 meters.
Fabregas got his second goal in the 79th, starting a run from about 25 meters before beating the keeper.
Arsenal rested star striker Thierry Henry while German World Cup goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was suspended.
Forward Jose Antonio Reyes was on the bench, sparking rumors of his possible move to Real Madrid.
Real reportedly asked Arsenal to omit Reyes from the qualifying game, which would keep him eligible to play in the competition with the Spanish team.
Arsenal also traveled to the match without left back Ashley Cole who looks poised for transfer to London rivals Chelsea.
Former European champions Benfica earned a 1-1 draw at Austria Vienna in the night's other game, while the rest of the final qualifying round, first leg matches follow on Wednesday.
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