Juventus play Arsenal in quarter-finals
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-11 10:49

"At this stage of the competition there should be no preferences. We are talking about the eight best teams in Europe and all of them are extremely strong.

"But I think that often what is difficult becomes easier, because the levels of concentration are higher."

Benfica eliminated holders Liverpool this week leaving only Arsenal in contention out of the three English teams in the first knockout round. Benfica also helped put Manchester United out at the group stage.

VIEIRA RETURN

"Juventus may be the hottest favourites after Barcelona," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who fancies the chances of another upset after his young team's defeat of Real Madrid.

"It will be nice to see Patrick Vieira back at Highbury. He had nine great years at the club, he was a wonderful captain," said Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

"But one thing to be remembered is that Thierry Henry came from Juventus."

Henry, Vieira's successor as captain, was Arsenal's match-winner in the 1-0 aggregate win over Real in the previous round. Vieira transferred to Juventus in the close season.

Milan spokesman Umberto Gandini said Lyon would be a tough obstacle even without Brazilian free-kick specialist Juninho, who is suspended for the first leg at Gerland.

"Lyon are a very good side with talented players. I don't think the absence of Juninho in the first leg will change anything.

"Juninho is a great player but they have...many others guys with lethal skills," he said.

Gandini underlined Milan's determination to lift their seventh trophy after their defeat in last season's final.

"After the final lost in Istanbul, we told ourselves we were going to to everything we could to play the next final in Paris."