The Brazilian believes the Spanish champions could have faced a tougher draw against a side with more "experience and character"
Dani Alves claims Barcelona were happy to have drawn Arsenal in the Champions League as he believes the Spanish champions could have faced a team with more “experience and character”.
The Champions League holders are on course to reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening after Lionel Messi struck twice in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
And Barcelona’s right-back concedes they could have been paired against a stronger team following the group stage.
"When the draw was made, we knew it could have been tougher for us,” said Alves.
“That is no reflection on the quality of Arsenal. The quality of the way they play the game and the quality of some of their players is there for all to see.
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"It is a reflection on their experience, character, and mental strengths. “There are teams in Europe that don't have the quality that Arsenal have, but you would rather avoid them and play Arsenal - because you know that those teams have experience and character."
- Goal