Ba strikes bar from kickoff, Napoli held at home

Besiktas' Demba Ba reacts after missing a goal scoring opportunity during the first leg of their Champions League qualifying soccer match against Arsenal at Ataturk Olympic stadium in Istanbul August 19, 2014. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

BERNE (Reuters) - Besiktas hit the bar straight from kickoff as they were held 0-0 at home by Arsenal in Tuesday's Champions League playoffs while a superb Gonzalo Higuain goal rescued Napoli in a 1-1 draw with visitors Athletic Bilbao.

Jonatan Soriano struck the woodwork three times and scored in Salzburg's 2-1 win over visiting Malmo, Bayer Leverkusen won 3-2 at FC Copenhagen and a late goal gave Steaua Bucharest a 1-0 home win over Ludogorets Razgrad in the other first leg ties.