Arsenal to face the mighty Barcelona
Arsenal will go up against the tournament favorites Barcelona; in the knockout stages of this year’s Champions League. The English side was smashed by the Spanish giants in their encounter last year. Barca won the two leg tie 6-3 on aggregate, sending the
Gunners out of the champion league, in the quarter final stage.
Wenger had stated before the game that he hoped to face Barcelona in the knockout round. After his wish came true he gave out this statement, “My reaction is very simple - difficult but possible. Barcelona are certainly the favorites and a famous team
but, on their side, they did not want us either because they know they will get a game. I think we are better than last year and we have a good opportunity to show that."
In the recent past, Arsenal have also faced Barcelona in the 2006 champions league final; a game the English side lost 2-1. With Pep Guardiola's side in such strong form, it will be very difficult for Wenger’s men to bring the giants down.
Arsenal’s Premier league rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have a much easier task. United will face French side Marseille and the out-of-form Chelsea will play against Danish champions FC Copenhagen. Tottenham will also have to pass a stiff challenge
against Serie A leaders AC Milan, who are in superb shape this year.
Tottenham’s manager Harry Redknapp has insisted he is satisfied with the draw. He said,
“It's a great draw. I would have taken AC Milan before the draw. Whoever you draw is going to be tough.”
Chelsea’s chief executive Ron Gourlay stated that their match against Copenhagen will not be easy, saying,
“There's no easy games at this stage and we'll be very careful. They're a very, very good side” Despite Gourlay’s claim, it is safe to say that the Blues have arguably gotten the easiest tie in the first knockout round.
On Manchester drawing against Marseille, United defender Rio Ferdinand has said,
“So we got Marseille in the CL, decent draw. Will be a tough game out there”
Chelsea and United are expected to go through to the next round; but we will have to wait and see if Arsenal and Tottenham can emerge victorious from the stiff challenge that lies ahead.
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