Arsenal Barcelona: the mouthwatering tie in the Champions League Last 16

Arsenal against Barcelona is the standout tie in the last 16 of Champions League, following the draw today in Geneva.

It is a repeat of last year’s quarter final, memorable for Lionel Messi scoring four times in the Nou Camp leg, eliminating the Gunners. Both teams are regarded highly across Europe for ‘playing the beautiful game’ and the clash is highly anticipated once again.

The first game will be played at the Emirates followed by a daunting trip to the Nou Camp.

North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur face another trip to the San Siro to play AC Milan, another tough test.

Harry Redknapp will surely relish the chance to test his side’s mettle against the Serie A leaders but after beating Inter Milan to the top spot, they will have no fear.

Elsewhere among the English hopefuls, Manchester United will face French champions Marseille, which will see a reunion with former defender, Gabriel Heinze.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy with the draw as it was one of easier draws available to the Red Devils.

Chelsea also received a favourable tie against FC Copenhagen, who qualified for the knockout stage for the first time. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are in a rut at the moment, but will welcome a seemingly easier tie.

The draw also sees a repeat of last year’s final as Bayern Munich will play Inter Milan. Real Madrid, who have lost in the last 16 in the last 6 seasons, will play Lyon. The French club defeated them at this stage last year as well.

Full draw

AS Roma (Italy) vs Shaktar Donetsk (Ukraine)

AC Milan (Italy vs Tottenham Hotspur

Valencia (Spain) vs Schalke 04 (Germany)

Inter (Italy) vs Bayern Munich (Germany)

Lyon (France) vs Real Madrid (Spain)

Arsenal vs Barcelona (Spain)

Marseille (France) vs Manchester United

Chelsea vs Copenhagen (Denmark)

The first legs will be played on the 15, 16, 22 and 23 of February whilst the 2^nd legs will be on the 8,9,15 and 16 of March 2011.

Female First - Chris Mayer