
Ars�ne Wenger accepts his Arsenal side will be labelled as underdogs in their Champions League Quarter-Final with Barcelona � even though he thinks the tie is �even-money�.
The Frenchman�s team were handed the hardest possible opponents in Friday�s draw when they were pitched against the reigning European champions.
Pep Guardiola�s side won a treble last year. They despatched Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League Final and also scooped a domestic double in Spain.
"I believe we will not be favourites but, for me, it will be a 50-50 game,� said Wenger when asked for his reaction at his usual Friday press conference. �That's how we have to take it.
"When you get to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League you play good teams and Barcelona are a good team.
�It will be an interesting, exciting game. We have to make sure we have the belief and focus right.�
Should Arsenal defy the odds they face the winner of Inter and CSKA Moscow in the Semi-Final. Having knocked out Chelsea, the Italians will be favoured there. It will be a tough path but, having got back into the title race, Wenger believes he must keep his focus on domestic matters.
"You can only take one step at a time,� he said. �Of course the route is not easy, I concede that. But the best way to be successful in the Quarter-Final is to go into those games in good condition and with a strong belief.
"That happens only if we do well in the Premier League.�