Arsenal sound warning to Villarreal

Arsenal FC geared up for Wednesday's first-leg encounter at Highbury with an important victory against West Bromwich Albion FC in the Premiership at the weekend. But there was less to smile about for semi-final opponents Villarreal CF, whose weakened side lost to FC Barcelona in a bruising encounter that saw Juan Manuel Peña and Gonzalo Rodríguez sustain injuries.

Arsenal FC 3-1 West Bromwich Albion FC

Aleksandr Hleb, Robert Pirès and Dennis Bergkamp were all on target as Arsenal overcame relegation-threatened West Brom on Saturday to remain within four points of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC in the race for fourth place. It was by no means an easy victory for the Gunners as Nigel Quashie's second-half equaliser forced the home side to work hard for the three points. Pirès's goal arrived 14 minutes from time and, after Arsenal survived a strong penalty claim from the visitors, substitute Bergkamp put the match beyond doubt a minute before the final whistle with his first goal since December.

Manager Arsène Wenger was without Sol Campbell, who underwent surgery on Friday after breaking his nose in the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth FC on Wednesday, and could be out for a week. Campbell was replaced by Philippe Senderos while Cesc Fabregas also missed the match after a recurrence of the foot injury he sustained against Aston Villa FC a fortnight ago, although he could return against Villarreal. Wenger also elected to substitute captain Thierry Henry after 62 minutes with the visit of Villarreal in mind.

Wenger admitted that that match made it difficult to prepare for the West Brom game but was delighted his players did not fall foul of complacency. "I feel we already had one eye on the game on Wednesday, which is why I'm very pleased we got the three points and did the job in a professional way," he said. "We know you do not play a semi-final of the Champions League every day. Therefore, we want to go out midweek and do it the way we want to do it, in a convincing way and a determined way."

FC Barcelona 1-0 Villarreal CF

Villarreal's decision to rest several key players did not gain immediate reward as they were beaten 1-0 by fellow UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Barcelona at Camp Nou on Friday, denting their hopes of securing a UEFA Cup place next season. Samuel Eto'o scored the only goal of the game on eleven minutes, turning Peña inside out before steering the ball inside Mariano Barbosa's near post.

It was a disappointing goal for Barbosa to concede as he continues to gain crucial match practice as he prepares to replace the suspended Sebastián Viera at Highbury. Coach Manuel Pellegrini also opted to leave Alessio Tacchinardi, Juan Pablo Sorín, Juan Román Riquelme and Diego Forlán out of the squad for the trip to Barça. But despite his best efforts, the Chilean could only watch as Gonzalo Rodríguez limped off after injuring his ankle in a collision with Deco on 18 minutes. The Argentinian defender will not play again this season, while Peña, who stretched his ankle ligaments late on, misses the trip to London.

Having been denied the chance to play against his former employers, Riquelme is determined to help tee up a rematch in the UEFA Champions League final. "I want to play in the final," he said. "I know the tie against Arsenal will be difficult, just like the last one was against [FC] Inter[nazionale Milano]. Arsenal have some great players and Henry could be the difference. They are favourites, but on the field it is eleven against eleven. If we play like we are capable of then the tie will be very even. We are one step away from the final and we are so close to getting there. We are going to fight for our place."