Arsenal happy as underdogs
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ByEurosport
Published 16/05/2006 at 12:12 GMT
Arsenal go into Wednesday night's Champions League Final against Barcelona, knowing the performance of their two Spaniards could be the key to overturning the Catalan giants. Follow the game LIVE on eurosport.com from 20:45cet on Wednesday!
FOOTBALL 2005-2006 UEFA Champions League Arsenal Fabregas Reyes
Image credit: Imago
While the precocious Cesc Fabregas will dictate the play for Arsene Wenger's men, Jose Antonio Reyes will be charged with providing service to Thierry Henry.
Speaking on Tuesday, the 22 year-old from Andalucia said he believes Arsenal's underdog status will play into their own hands.
"It's in our interest that Barcelona starts as favourite. Real Madrid and Juventus came out with this mentality, but we were the ones who went through. Let's hope that run continues."
Reyes, who watched his former team Sevilla demolish Middlesbrough 4-0 in the UEFA Cup Final last Wednesday, believes the key to Arsenal's success in Europe depends on halting Barcelona's three superstars.
'KEEP RONALDINHO QUIET'
"We know everything about Barcelona: their among the best in the world and they have the same winning mentality as us. We have to make sure Deco, Eto'o and Ronaldinho are kept quiet."
When questioned on just how Ronaldinho could be stopped, however, the Spaniard was less clear:
"I don't know, I'm not a defender, but whoever has to mark him will have to stop him one way or another."
Alongside captain Thierry Henry, Reyes highlighted Brazilian Gilberto Silva as a key man for the Gunners.
"He's very important in this team. His work isn't always seen by everybody, but he breaks up the play well, so that the rest of the team enjoys more possession."
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