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Confident Real delighted with Arsenal match-up
Fri Dec 16, 2005 3:59 PM GMT165
By Simon Baskett
MADRID, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Real Madrid were in confident mood after
being paired with Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League on
Friday.
The nine-times European champions believe Arsenal's lack of
experience in the final stages of the competition and their open
style of play make them ideal opponents in the first knockout
round.
"We are satisfied with the draw," Real's director of football
Arrigo Sacchi told the club's website. "It's obvious that any of
the five teams we could have drawn would have been hard, because
they all finished top of their groups.
"But we are up against the side with the least experience in Europe
and that could show."
Real, who were knocked out by Juventus in the first knockout stage
last season, host the Londoners at the Bernabeu in the first
competitive European meeting between the two clubs on Feb. 21 and
play the return at Highbury on March 8.
"They have the advantage of playing the second leg at Highbury, but
if we can beat them two or three nil here it won't be such an
advantage."
Centre back Ivan Helguera said Arsenal's style suited Real better
than some of the other teams in the draw.
"Every team in the draw is tough and I would be lying to say that
playing Arsenal will be easy," he said.
