Confident Real delighted with Arsenal match-up

Real Madrid were in confident mood after being paired with Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League on Friday.

The nine-times European champions believe Arsenal's lack of experience in the final stages of the competition and their open style of play make them ideal opponents in the first knockout round.

"We are satisfied with the draw," Real's director of football Arrigo Sacchi told the club's website. "It's obvious that any of the five teams we could have drawn would have been hard, because they all finished top of their groups."

"But we are up against the side with the least experience in Europe and that could show."

Real, who were knocked out by Juventus in the first knockout stage last season, host the Londoners at the Bernabeu in the first competitive European meeting between the two clubs on Feb. 21 and play the return at Highbury on March 8.

"They have the advantage of playing the second leg at Highbury, but if we can beat them two or three nil here it won't be such an advantage."

Centre back Ivan Helguera said Arsenal's style suited Real better than some of the other teams in the draw.

"Every team in the draw is tough and I would be lying to say that playing Arsenal will be easy," he said.

"It will be a difficult tie, but at least they are the sort of team that let you play and we've always done well against English sides."

David Beckham will get his first chance to play for Real in England since joining from Manchester United two years ago. The midfielder was more cautious, saying he expected a tough tie.

"It will be the first time that I will have played in England for Real Madrid and it will be a really great experience," he said.

"We are going to have to get past a good team with some great players. They've got Arsene Wenger who is an excellent person and a great manager and has done a fantastic job in charge of Arsenal."

"They'll have a lot of support from their fans and their players will be boosted by that, but we are Real Madrid and we should remember that because it is going to be a very hard match."