Dinamo Zagreb 0 Arsenal 3: A second-half brace from Cesc Fabregas sent Arsenal on their way towards the lucrative group stages of the Champions League as the Gunners recorded a resounding win over Dinamo Zagreb in their qualifier tonight.

Last season's beaten finalists may have been missing the likes of inspirational captain Thierry Henry, wantaway defender Ashley Cole and had Real Madrid target Jose Antonio Reyes sitting on the bench, but the Gunners again showed their strength in depth.

Fabregas and Robin van Persie smashed in two goals in as many minutes just after the hour, before the young Spaniard wrapped things up with another fine effort late on in what was his 100th game for Arsenal.

The second leg will be played in north London on August 23rd.

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 tomorrow.