UEFA Champions League: Barcelona prepare for Arsenal test

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It is a familiar matchup as Arsenal hosts Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday night. They will meet in the knock-out stage for the second season in a row.

'Barca' came out on top in that quarter-final clash in ther previous meeting, beating Arsenal 6-3 on aggregate. Lionel Messi scored four goals in the second leg to take the Spanish champions through. Barcelona coach 'Pep' Guardiola is expecting another exciting tie this time around.

Pep Guardiola said, "The objective is to play well, dominate the important phases of the game, attack well, defend as well as possible. But, obviously to score away from home is very, very important. To have that advantage when we play at home is essential, so scoring a goal is vital."

'Barca' has never lost to Arsenal in the clubs' five previous competitive meetings, winning three times and drawing the other two.

But Arsenal's been impressive recently. Dutch striker Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in his last seven appearances. Arsene Wenger admits Barcelona is the best team in the world. but he believes his side can spring a surprise.

He said, "I think everybody expects an exciting game because there are two teams which play quality football and that's what we want to achieve tomorrow - to be faithful to our philosophy, to make sure that we dominate the game, that we pass the ball, that we have possession of the ball. Were we capable of doing that, we have a very good chance to beat them."

Editor:Zhang Jingya |Source: CNTV.CN

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