Late Hamsik leveller earns Napoli point at Besiktas

The Turkish side went ahead with just 11 minutes left through a penalty from Ricardo Quaresma.

However, on 82 minutes, Hamsik hauled the visitors level when he cracked a 20-yard effort into the top-right corner.

Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri was determined to quickly recover from the disappointment of a defeat to Serie A leaders Juventus and out to make amends for the 3-2 home defeat by Besiktas two weeks ago, which had prompted skipper Hamsik to issue both an apology and a rallying call.

Sarri made three changes, bringing in Manolo Gabbiadini, Nikola Maksimovic and Jorginho as the visitors looked to put a reshuffled Black Eagles defence under pressure.

Besiktas were looking to recover from a poor run which had seen them suffer four defeats in their last six matches from all competitions.

It was almost a flying start for the Italians as Faouzi Ghoulam and Lorenzo Insigne combined to put Gabbiadini through, but he shot straight at Besiktas goalkeeper Agosto Fabri.

Besiktas then saw an effort from Vincent Aboubakar ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Gabbiadini was in behind the home defence again on 11 minutes, with Fabri this time making a save with his legs.

Cameroon front man Aboubakar remained a threat for the Black Eagles as he sent a cross from Tolgay Arslan wide.

Besiktas coach Senol Gunes was forced to make a change midway through the first half when defender Dusko Tosic hobbled off, replaced by winger Cenk Tosun.

Atiba Hutchinson came close for the home side when he latched on to a clearance from Kalidou Koulibaly and sent his curling shot against the outside of a post.

Napoli started the second half brightly and on 56 minutes Jose Maria Callejon - who has seven goals in Serie A this season - sent the ball just wide after collecting a through-ball from Insigne as keeper Fabri came off his line to close down the angle quickly.

On 79 minutes Besiktas took the lead from the penalty spot after English referee Mark Clattenburg ruled Maksimovic had handled a cross from Aboubakar.

Quaresma converted, with Napoli keeper Pepe Reina only able to push the ball inside the right-hand post.

The joy of the home supporters, though, was short-lived as Slovakian playmaker Hamsik netted a superb equaliser.

Dries Mertens set up his captain with a cushioned header outside the penalty arc, but there was still plenty to do as Hamsik promptly dispatched a wonderful curling effort into the top corner.

Mertens and Insigne both tried their luck from distance during the closing stages, but Besiktas held on for a deserved share of the points which leaves both teams with still all to play for over the closing two matches of the Group B campaign.