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German champions Wolfsburg were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Besiktas in Champions League Group B.

One might have known it was not Wolfsburg's day when Edin Dzeko wasted two very good chances in the first half and then struck the post at the start of the second.

But if anyone was in any doubt then Grafite's dismissal for a slap in the face of Ibrahim Kas 14 minutes from time confirmed that Armin Veh's team would have to settle for a point.

Besiktas showed little purpose in attack, although the sporadic shooting of Nihat threatened a late winner for the Turks.

The meagre spoils nevertheless ensure that Wolfsburg have moved clear of CSKA Moscow in second place and that Besiktas are at last up and running.

A largely disappointing first half was memorable mainly for the wastefulness of Wolfsburg - and in particular Dzeko.

The normally prolific forward, who scored 36 goals last season and has eight in 13 games this, found his sights uncharacteristically skew wiff.

10 minutes were on the clock when Dzeko headed over from eight yards out after Zvjezdan Misimovic's cross had found the Bosnian unattended. 10 minutes later Dzeko headed wide, this time from Marcel Schafer's cross.

Besiktas offered only intermittent attacks in response. The strike duo of Nihat and Bobo being very well contained for the majority of the first-half.

Grafite shot into the side-netting after more impressive approach play from Misimovic and Makoto Hasebe in the final action of the half.

Not even the sight of an open goal five minutes after half-time could persuade Christian Gentner to break the deadlock. After Rustu had saved the midfielder's initial shot, the ball was returned to him by Sascha Riether but Gentner ballooned his shot over the unguarded goal.

Three minutes later, Dzeko hit the post. After eventually shrugging off the challenge of Matteo Ferrari he then forced Rustu into a save at the keeper's near post. The ball came back to the striker but his subsequent shot struck the outside of the post.

The home side's hopes, already beginning to ebb, were set back significantly 16 minutes from time when Grafite was sent off for a slap on Kas. The visiting defender made the most of the altercation, although the Brazilian could not have been surprised that he was shown a straight red card by referee Roberto Rossetti.

Besiktas were not convinced of their own claims to the three points despite their man advantage and, although Nihat continued to prompt, a shot over the bar from substitute Mert Nobre in the final minute was the closest they came to an undeserved winner.

Chris Stanton / Eurosport