PSG Coach Fires Chelsea Warning, Says They Are Easy To Play

In the 2006 final, the Catalan club won 2-1 thanks to a late Juliano Belletti goal, and in 2010 Arsenal lost 6-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.

Manchester City, who won their group, will play Dynamo Kyiv – and Carragher thinks the Citizens will progress.

When Arsene Wenger’s team face the defending champions in February, for the first time in the competition since 2011, it is no exaggeration to say that if Arsenal were to win the tie it would be the most significant result for the club since the Invincibles season of 2003-2004. “We’re two sides with a similar understanding of the game”, said Barca director Albert Soler. We have a lot of respect for them. It’s a last-16 tie and, if you have a bad ten minutes, we know what the consequences can be. “It’s not going to be easy and it’s probably the one team that most Arsenal fans wanted to avoid at this stage”.

The French champions, who are already 17 points clear in Ligue 1 this season, triumphed at the same stage last season, and Chelsea had the upper hand in the quarter-finals the previous year.

Despite Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League this season, PSG defender Thiago said: “It will be tougher this season than past year”.

Also, it was PSV Eindhoven against Atletico Madrid; Dynamo Kiev versus Manchester City; and Benfica against Zenit St. Petersburg.

Last month UEFA ordered Kiev to play their next three European home games behind closed doors as punishment for racist behaviour by fans during their group game against Chelsea in October. “We showed last season that we were competitive; we still are this year”. With the likes of Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud in form, they could well harm Barcelona in greater ways than expected.

The Gunners, who reached the last 16 with a memorable victory at Olympiacos in their final group game, knew they could have faced Barca or 10-times winners Real Madrid.

Regardless of the empty terraces, City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain warned of any complacency.

“You have to be very much on your guard”.

ARSENAL were punished for their last gasp entry into the Champions League knock-out stages as they were drawn against old foes – and reigning champions – Barcelona for their last-16 tie yesterday. “It will be hard but if we want to win the Champions League, we have to win against all teams”.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp will be back in Germany when the Reds face Augsburg.