Barcelona will not take Arsenal lightly when the last 16 two-legged tie comes round next year, according to Albert Soler.
The pair were drawn against each other in the knockout round in Monday’s draw, as they were in 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The Gunners were eliminated on both occasions, despite winning the first-leg at the Emirates in 2011 with a memorable Andrei Arshavin goal, and Barcelona director Albert Soler insisted the reigning European champions will show Arsene Wenger’s team respect.
Arsenal and Barca have a very similar system of play. I’m convinced the fans will enjoy the football.
The way we understand football is the same. They will be two great games.
As always, we have the utmost respect. I’m sure we’ll have some problems playing against them, so let’s wait and see.
Arsenal will go into the double-header clear underdogs but with the memories of beating Bayern Munich at home already this season.
The Gunners will hope to have a bigger squad to choose from, with Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck realistic hopes of being fit.
Soler added that Barca’s favourable history against Arsenal of just one defeat back in 2011 will stand for nothing.
There will be 180 minutes of football, we have to play two games and we’ll see where that takes us. We hope to have all our players available to ensure the show is a good one.
Barca are used to playing under pressure, we’re the reigning champions and that gives you pressure and an advantage.
Given that I don’t believe the past affects the future, we’ll go game by game and result by result.
No team has retained the Champions League trophy; however, the three-pronged attack of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, in the form they are in, will believe anything is capable.
