Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery is upbeat over his side s chances of getting past Real Madrid and advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Despite topping Group B, the runaway Ligue 1 leaders were dealt perhaps the toughest possible hand in drawing the reigning champions.
PSG were dumped out in the round of 16 by Barcelona last term as their 4-0 first leg advantage was spectacularly overturned in a 6-5 aggregate defeat.
Emery is undaunted by a similar challenge this time around.
I think it is a good draw. I believe we can compete with Real Madrid, Emery told UEFA.com.
To make something great in the UEFA Champions League, you need to beat the best teams. The last 16 is a good moment to play such teams.
We will need to show our character, our tactical skills and our talent. Talent is very important.
3 Paris have failed to win any of their last 3 European games against Real Madrid (D2 L1) failing to score in the last 2. Piece.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean)
Unlike last season s defeat, PSG will this time benefit from the second leg being played on home turf in March.
PSG s assistant sporting director and former club legend Maxwell, who won the tournament with Barcelona in 2010-11, echoed Emery s excitement.
It is a good draw, with two good games to play. Our fans will like it after we were knocked out by Barcelona last season, he said.
It will be nice. It is a beautiful challenge for the club. I think we are ready for that.
