Roma stand in way of Arsenal and Champions League quarters

ARSENAL will play AS Roma in the last 16 of Champions League, writes Patrick Mooney. Arsene  Wenger s team were paired with the Italian giants when the draw was made today at Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The first leg will take place at The Emi

ARSENAL will play AS Roma in the last 16 of Champions League, writes Patrick Mooney.

Arsene Wenger's team were paired with the Italian giants when the draw was made today at Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

The first leg will take place at The Emirates Stadium on February 24 with the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome - the venue for this season's Final - on March 11. The Serie A side topped Group A ahead of Chelsea and will have home advantage in the second leg against the Gunners.

Arsenal are the third Premier League side to be drawn against Italian opposition. Sir Alex Ferguson will lock horns with Jose Mourinho once again after the Champions League holders were drawn against Inter Milan while last season's beaten finalists Chelsea take on Juventus, managed by Claudio Ranieri. who guided Chelsea from 2000 to 2004.

Liverpool tackle nine-times European champions Real, who are now under the stewardship of former Spurs boss Juande Ramos.

The remaining fixtures see Villarreal up against Panathinaikos, Sporting Lisbon tackle Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid meet Porto and Lyon face Barcelona.