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The Gunners bounce back (2-1) | FCBarcelona
Arsenal and Barça joined forces to provide London with a footballing feast this evening. Both sides stayed faithful to their typical styles, seeking to dominate the possession and playing ambitiously, and as a result we were able to enjoy an open, unpredictable encounter that had a little bit of everything, including an unexpected twist at the end.
Barcelona Defender Gerard Pique Suspended For Second Leg Of Arsenal Champions League Tie | Goal
The Spanish international stopper was cautioned for a foul just prior to the hour mark, pushing him over the tournament threshold, and he will serve a one-match ban The former Manchester United man also missed the second leg of the corresponding tie last season, after collecting a booking, while compatriot Carles Puyol picked up a red card and also missed the return.
"Optimistic? I have plenty of reason to be" | FCBarcelona
"I am upset that we lost the game, but there is still the second leg to turn things around. I don’t know how far we’ll get, but we’ll be ourselves", said Guardiola in his post-match press conference, where he said time and again that he has no intention of changing his team’s style.
Players confident of comeback | FCBarcelona
Despite losing in London, the FC Barcelona players have not given up hope. They feel that at the Camp Nou in front of their own fans, they’ll be able to turn the tie around. The Barça squad know it won’t be easy on March 8, but are still optimistic about their chances of making the last eight of the Champions League.
Barcelona Haven't Won An Away CL Knockout Game Under Pep Guardiola | Goal
But statistics tell us, and indeed Arsenal on Wednesday night confirmed as such, that away trips in the Champions League knockout rounds remain his, and his teams, achilles heel. In two and a half seasons, the Blaugrana have failed to win a single tie on the road beyond the group stages, with the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates extending the run to seven matches in total.
Barca to open English academy | Sky Sports
The Catalan giants have struck a deal which will see them set up their first training camp outside of Spain. Barca will begin staging coaching classes for 300 hopefuls between the ages of six and 16 from April at ACS school in Cobham.
Barcelona's Xavi Disappointed With Champions League Loss To Arsenal | Goal
Barcelona midfielder Xavi says his side were disappointed they did not take their "endless opportunities" against Arsenal in the Champions League, losing 2-1 to the Gunners in London. The Spanish international believes the Blaugrana were superior to the English side, but failed to convert their dominance on the scoresheet.
Wenger over moon but 'Barcelona favourites' | Eurosport
The Gunners went a goal down at the Emirates Stadium after David Villa swooped in the first half but staged a stirring comeback thanks to late strikes by Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin.
We Have Beaten ‘The Best Side In Football History’ - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas Hails Win Over Barcelona | Goal
"They are the best side in football history, in my opinion. But we have only played half of this tie. It’s a nice compliment to us, but that’s all. We have closed the gap on them from last year. We are one year older, we have less injured players."
We Need To Believe We Can Progress When Facing Barcelona At Camp Nou - Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin | Goal
Arsenal goalscorer Andrey Arshavin has stressed that his side need to have the belief to go to the Nou Camp and finish the job after overturning a first-half deficit to beat Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League tie.
Adebayor denies Benzema rift | Eurosport
Adebayor, who joined on loan from Manchester City in January, started the last two Liga matches against Real Sociedad and Espanyol with France international Benzema left on the bench.