Arsenal keen to preserve PSV run

New stadium
PSV will stage the first encounter on Tuesday 20 February before making the return trip to the Arsenal Stadium on Wednesday 7 March. They will not be the first Dutch team to visit the new venue as AFC Ajax played in the inaugural match on 22 July, Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial, with Klaas Jan Huntelaar scoring the historic first goal although Arsenal came back to record a 2-1 victory.

English advantage
Having never met in UEFA competition prior to September 2002, these sides are fast becoming familiar foes and this is their third pairing in five seasons although the first in knockout action. Arsenal, the 2005/06 runners-up, have not lost any of the four games played. Their first confrontation was in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League first group stage, Arsenal winning 4-0 away before drawing 0-0 at home. Then, in the 2004/05 group stage, Arsenal prevailed by 1-0 in London before earning a 1-1 draw in Eindhoven.

'Big club'
David Dein, the Arsenal vice-chairman, said his club were motivated by missing out to FC Barcelona in last May's showpiece. "This year we want to win the final and, of course, you have to beat the best teams along the way. PSV are a big club and nobody should underestimate them. They have a very good history and I am sure it will be very competitive." On a personal note, Arsenal forward Robin van Persie will have particular reason to do well, given the Dutchman spent nearly eight years with PSV's rivals Feyenoord.

Koeman memory
PSV coach Ronald Koeman will be equally motivated and has happy memories of north London, having been part of the Barcelona team that lifted the European Champion Clubs' Cup at Wembley in May 1992. He has come across Arsenal before, having guided Ajax to a 1-1 draw at Highbury and then a stalemate in Amsterdam during the 2002/03 second group stage. While Arsenal were soon eliminated in that campaign, Koeman and Ajax made it through to the quarter-finals where they were knocked out by AC Milan.

'Very good football'
Koeman was satisfied with the draw. "Arsenal are not the toughest opponent, but I certainly don't think they are the easiest. They have a number of very good players and play very good football, possibly the best in England. But nothing is impossible. Arsenal are last year's losing finalists and have the budget to win the Champions League. For us, it is fantastic that we are here. It should be two beautiful games."