---
title: "Alba – Arsenal will be difficult"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2015/12/15/alba-arsenal-will-difficult/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Hamdani"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2015-12-15T10:55:56Z"
modified: "2015-12-15T10:55:56Z"
---

# Alba – Arsenal will be difficult

After Arsenal were drawn against La Liga and defending European champions Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, left-back Jordi Alba admitted that his side’s opponents will make it ‘difficult’ for them to progress.

The 26-year-old has been a regular with Barcelona since signing for them in 2012, amassing over 100 appearances in that time and winning a number of honours, including the famous treble last campaign.

With Barcelona in similar form to that of last season, they go into the fixture as clear favourites, however, [Alba refuted comments that it will be ‘easy’](https://www.football-espana.net/55675/alba-arsenal-will-be-difficult)for the La Liga giants to beat Arsenal.

![David Ramos/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readarsenal.com/readarsenal/2015/12/498790372.jpg)

> *They’re a very complicated opponent who from midfield to the forwards have players who are very good with the ball.*
>
> *I’m sure they’ll make things difficult. Every year is different but* this time *it will be made more complicated by the players Arsenal have this season.*

![Denis Doyle/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readarsenal.com/readarsenal/2015/12/498208314.jpg)

Barcelona are preparing for the Club World Cup, where they will battle for the trophy with the likes of River Plate, Guangzhou Evergrande, TP Mazembe, America, Auckland City and Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Luis Enrique’s side are set to take the Gunners on in February at the Emirates Stadium, before welcoming Arsenal to the Camp Nou in March.