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Arsenal were once again drawn against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League yesterday, while Barcelona will also come up against familiar foes in the shape of Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsene Wenger’s side had hoped winning their group for the first time in five years would spare them a tie against one of the continent’s giants in the first knockout round, but instead they must face Carlo Ancelotti’s German champions, who came second in their section, with the first leg in Bavaria.
Bayern eliminated Arsenal en route to winning the trophy in 2012/13 and repeated the feat a year later, while the teams also met in the group stage last season - the Gunners won 2-0 in London but then lost 5-1 at the Allianz Arena.
“It’s an interesting and difficult draw. We know Arsenal from the last few years when we often played against them, twice already in the last 16, when we had a good experience and got through,” said Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
“Arsenal are a strong team and I rate them as stronger at the moment than in the last few years.”
PSG came second to Arsenal in Group A, leaving them more vulnerable to a tough draw and five-time winners Barcelona have eliminated the French club in the quarter-finals in two of the past four seasons, while the teams also met in the group stage in 2014/15.
Recent history favours the Catalans, and so does current form, with Unai Emery’s side having squandered the chance to top their group by drawing at home to Ludogorets of Bulgaria last week.
“If I could have chosen another team, I would have done,” admitted Paris director of football Patrick Kluivert, a former Barcelona striker.
Barcelona vice president Jordi Mestre told beIN Sports Spain: “It is true that of the (possible) options Bayern Munich was possibly the strongest, with respect to the rest, but PSG are also a great team.
“There is no guarantee but it does give you a certain confidence to have beaten them before. Every game is different and we will see what happens.”
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