Vilanova wary of Spartak threat

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has told his side to expect a difficult match against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Catalans beat the Russian side 3-2 in the first meeting of the two sides at Camp Nou, and the 44-year-old is wary of the threat they pose, particularly with former Valencia boss Unai Emery in charge.

“Russian teams have made it difficult for us in the past,” he told reporters.

“These days you can’t beat anyone easily in the Champions League.

“There are no easy games. We have a lot of respect for Spartak and I believe that it will be a hard game just like the one at the Camp Nou.

“We know Unai Emery well and he has always caused us difficulties. He is a coach who always has a very organised defence and attack.”

However Vilanova said a loss in the Russia capital would not be the end of the world due to their remaining group fixture against Benfica at Camp Nou.

“Against Spartak we will try to win so that we can qualify, but if we don’t, we still have a game at Camp Nou.”