It is the game between the pacesetters in Spain and Arsenal which most catches the eye, however.
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“We’ve got our own world-class players and it will be two fantastic games that we are looking forward to”. “I’m convinced the fans will enjoy the football”, he said after the draw. They have great players, players who are known around the world.
“As always, we have respect for the opponent”.
Arsenal club secretary David Miles admitted that Barcelona was the draw that all fans were hoping to avoid.
‘I was told by my family that if I came back with Barcelona not to bother to go home’.
Now, people will undoubtedly question our laughter given that we’re playing PSG, but frankly no Chelsea fan believes that the club can actually win the competition this season.
The Gunners secured an unlikely passage into the draw with a 3-0 win at Olympiakos, but they will surely have their work cut out against the holders.
“Barca will have to be very focused and completely switched on because from now on there is no chance of rectifying any mistakes; during the group stages you still have room for error, but from now on, no”.
Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “They have a good side (Kiev)and it will be hard for us. We are improving and gaining experience in the competition so we hope to do well”, Begiristain added.
Manchester City booked their place in the knockout stages for the first time in their history after topping their group and they’ve been handed a favourable tie against Dynamo Kiev.
Struggling Manchester United are due to play Danish champions FC Midtjylland in the same competition, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces a return to Germany when the Reds play Augsburg.
The first legs of these matchups will be on February 16, 17, 23 and 24.
They also met in the group stages in 1999 when Arsenal managed a draw in the Nou Camp but lost 4-2 at home.
Do you think Arsenal will overcome Barcelona?
Bayern captain Philipp Lahm admitted the Bundesliga leaders had stumbled upon a tricky last-16 opponent in Juve but remained confident of progressing.
But let’s focus on the Champions League first of all.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will face Serie A side Roma.
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Gent and Wolfsburg have never played before. In addition, since both teams are making their debut at this stage of the Champions League, the quarter-finals will have a guaranteed newcomer.
