17th December, 2013
Despite a difficult fixture they had in yesterday’s round of 16 draw of the UEFA Champions League, players of Arsenal FC of London are relishing the prospect of another glamour tie in the lucrative league.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is relishing the prospect of another glamour tie in the Champions League, saying that the Gunners will face the German team without fear.
Arsenal have been drawn to face champions, Bayern Munich of Germany in the last 16 of the competition – a rematch of last season’s tie which saw the Gunners win at the Allianz Arena but go out on away goals.
Oxlade-Chamberlain said the team are ready for the rematch. “We managed to get a good result away at Bayern last season so that brings back good memories. If you’re going to do well in the competition you’ve got to beat the best teams.
“Obviously the big teams create the bigger atmosphere around the stadiums,” he added.
“I remember before I came to Arsenal I was at the Barcelona game at the Emirates and I just remember the atmosphere there was unbelievable, so when the big teams do come into town it does create a massive buzz.”
Carl Jenkinson is excited to have been drawn against Bayern Munich. He insisted that Arsenal can beat the holders.
“The draw was a strange one because you look at Bayern Munich and they’re a fantastic team – in that sense you’re thinking it could have been easier but, at the same time, we know we can beat them. We proved it last season,” he told talkSPORT.
“Beating Bayern Munich 2-0 in their home ground doesn’t happen very often. We know we have the capability to beat them so I’m sure the boys are positive about the draw.
“I’m excited about it, personally. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat them and Bayern are definitely one of the best teams. It will be a great game for the neutral, as well.”
Arsenal were made to fight but scraped through Group F, reaching the knockout phase for the 14th successive season.
But they have landed a tough draw after finishing behind last year’s runners-up, Borussia Dortmund.