Arsenal handed nightmare draw with Barcelona in Champions League

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Arsenal handed nightmare draw with Barcelona in Champions League Arsenal were handed a nightmare draw against reigning champions Barcelona as the Gunners attempt to go beyond the last-16 stage of the Champions League for the first time in six years. Arsene Wenger’s side last faced the Spanish giants in 2011 and emerged victorious at the Emirates. But two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Xavi was enough for Barcelona to progress. In fact drawing Arsenal could be a good omen for the Catalan club who went on to win the Champions League that season as they comfortably beat Manchester United in the final. Barcelona director Albert Soler certainly believes the tie will produce a feast of football. “Arsenal and Barcelona have a similar style of play. The fans will enjoy themselves, we’re two sides with a similar understanding of the game,” he said. “They will be two great matches. We must have maximum respect for Arsenal, they’re a great team and although we have a difficult task ahead it will be a guaranteed spectacle of football.” Meanwhile, Arsenal secretary David Miles admitted that drawing Barcelona was the last thing fans would have wanted after scrapping through the group stage with a 3-0 win at Olympiacos. “On the back of the great win in Athens we were hoping for a good draw today and I think it’s the tie of the round,” said Miles. “It’s not going to be easy and it’s the team that most Arsenal fans would have wanted to avoid at this stage but it’s up to us to make a good fist of it. We’ve got our own world-class players and certainly we’ll go in for this. It should be two fantastic games and we’re very much looking forward to it.” Last year’s finalists Juventus were also handed a tough tie against German champions Bayern Munich. But Juve vice-president Pavel Nedved believes his club can upset Bayern over two legs. “We hoped for better luck in the draw, but we’re confident we can put in two good performances,” said the former Juve star. “I believe our team has improved in Europe and I am confident, even though they are a tough side.” sport@7days.ae Read the original story at: Arsenal handed nightmare draw with Barcelona in Champions League