The National’s Sport cover for the Tuesday, December 15 issue, featuring the Champions League last 16 draw.
Ian Hawkey breaks down the beginning of the knockouts, tie by tie, including Arsenal's gigantic task in Barcelona:
These two, both proud of their stylish principles, have become regular opponents in the knockout phase. They were fellow finalists in 2006 in Paris, and the outcome there, a Barcelona triumph, has usually been repeated when they have encountered one another since. Barcelona have dropped points domestically lately, but will be unleashing reinforcements, like Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal, in January, which should galvanise the title-holders.
“They can expect to come up against a highly motivated Alexis Sanchez, somewhat underrated in his three seasons at Barcelona, but highly valued by his current employers, Arsenal.”
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