Barcelona defender Dani Alves says his team-mates were happy to draw Arsenal in the Champions League ahead of their last-16 second-leg against the Gunners tonight.
The Catalans are in a commanding position to qualify for the quarter-finals after their 2-0 victory at the Emirates and Luis Enrique’s side are odds-on favourites to end Arsenal’s interest in the competition yet again.
"There is a real belief that we can create history" - Dani Alves
The Brazilian international admitted that the draw had been kind to his team.
"When the draw was made, we knew it could have been tougher for us,” he is quoted as saying in The Mirror.
"That is no reflection on the quality of Arsenal. The quality of the way they play the game and the quality of some of their players is there for all to see.
"It is a reflection on their experience, character, and mental strengths. There are teams in Europe that don't have the quality that Arsenal have, but you would rather avoid them and play Arsenal - because you know that those teams have experience and character."
With Luis Suarez, Neymar and Leo Messi in sparkling form, Barcelona are expected to extend their record-breaking 37-game unbeaten run at the Nou Camp this evening and the experienced full-back says the players are focussed on adding to their legacy.
“It is not just consecutive Champions League titles we are chasing but also consecutive trebles. It is a big challenge, but all the players are dreaming big,” he added.
"We are playing well, and of course it is not going to be easy, but there is a real belief that we can create history by doing it."
