We will play AS Roma in the Champions League last 16. The draw took place at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland today and the draw in full is as follows:
Arsenal v AS Roma
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Inter Milan v Manchester United
The details of the games are:
1st leg
Arsenal v AS Roma
Tuesday 24th February 2009
Kick Off 7.45 (UK time)
At Emirates Stadium, London
2nd leg
AS Roma v Arsenal
Wednesday 11th March 2009
Kick Off 7.45 (UK time)
At Stadio Olimpico, Rome
So, Roma huh? I thought we’d get Barcelona. I really thought we would get Barce. There are some real crackers in the draw – Inter Milan under the guidance of Jose Mourinho versus Man United and of course, Real Madrid vs Liverpool. Amazing draw.
We’ve got Roma and they’re not easy – but I would have preferred them to Inter, Juve, Barce or Bayern. Even Pathaniakos would be harder than we think, so I’ll settle for Roma. But we’ll have to be at our best to beat them. Roma have played well this season – and are a much better team than the one that Man United beat 6 – 1. Totti is in the form of his life and players like Aqualini and De Rossi are really shining. They also boast former Gunner – Baptista and former Liverpool player Riise…
Charlie Nicholas has just been speaking about the draw on Sky Sports News and had this to say:
“It is a good draw for Arsenal. I was shaking my head because Barcelona were still in and I thought we were going to get them. Barcelona was a good one to avoid but it is still one of those games that will be awkward – we know that – but I think it is the type of team that suit the Arsenal. Arsenal can pass and take their time. Roma are quiet a physical team when they have to be and can look after themselves. Totti is their outstanding players, they have Riise who we know from Liverpool days as well as Batista who was at Arsenal for a loan period.”
Danny Fizman has been also been talking about the draw and has also insisted there is money to spend. We all “know” there is money to spend, but will it be spent or is Arsene saving up for a rainy day (aka “something special”)…
Mr Fizman said:
“I think it’s a good draw for us. We have stayed away from the favourites and we have also stayed away from Panathinaikos which would have meant a long trip for us. We have a good record against Roma, Thierry (Henry) scored a hat-trick there some six/seven years ago, so we are pleased with the draw. It’s the old cliché ‘there are no easy games’ and it isn’t an easy game, but you have to look beyond how strong or weak the team is – they’re all strong – and we looking purely at logistics.”
“It’s an exciting draw – exciting for our fans. I am happy that we are not playing Juventus because I believe they are in the process of rebuilding a new stadium and it’s limited capacity at the moment, so at least our fans will have the chance to go to Rome. Hopefully we will do it twice!”
Exciting times? Are you happy with the draw?]]>
