Barcelona were still confident last night of a second-leg comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League because they believe Arsène Wenger will not be able to copy Jose Mourinho's ultra-defensive tactics in the Nou Camp next month.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is predicting a "fantastic" encounter when his side attempt to overturn their Champions League defeat to Arsenal in next month's second leg at the Nou Camp.

Jack Wilshere insists Arsenal can dump favourites Barcelona out of the Champions League to prolong the most enjoyable spell of his life.

Arsene Wenger accepts his Arsenal side remain Champions League underdogs despite their first-leg victory over Barcelona - but thinks a new-found self-belief could prove crucial.

Arsenal 2 Barcelona 1

1 Arsenal seemed mentally prepared for having to chase shadows

For the second time in two nights a football team from north London suggested that they might just have the skill and the spirit to conquer Europe.

Arsenal 2 Barcelona 1

Whenever Arsenal have faced Barcelona in recent years, there has always been a thorny issue which comes between the two sides and ruins what might otherwise descend into a mutual appreciation society – the issue of Cesc Fabregas, his past and his future.

David Villa is thriving in a prolific attack alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona – bad news for Arsenal, who they play this week. The £34m striker spoke to Pete Jenson

Fernando Torres moved to Chelsea from Liverpool to avoid the torture of having to watch another round of Champions League matches on the television, according to the Spain striker's international team-mate David Villa.

David Villa knows Arsenal will try to play Barcelona at their own game on Wednesday night, and that with his Spain international team-mate Cesc Fabregas on the pitch they will be better equipped to do so.