Lahm happy with ´nice draw´

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm is optimistic about his side’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Bundesliga giants have reached the final of European club football’s elite competition twice in the past three years, and Lahm is confident of overcoming Arsenal in the last 16.

“It’s a nice draw. We definitely have a chance to qualify for the next round. We will make it if we make good use of our immense quality,” Lahm told the club’s website.

“Arsenal are a team I have never faced before and I have never played in their stadium before either. The fans and players can all look forward to two games in a great atmosphere.

“I’m also looking forward to meeting Poldi (Lukas Podolski) and Per (Mertesacker) again. It’s always special to take on your colleagues from the national team.”

Meanwhile, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes the German giants are the team to beat, without underestimating Arsene Wenger’s side.

“I think we enter his match as the slight favourites, but we cannot make the mistake of underestimating them,” he said.

“Arsenal have struggled at times in the league over the last few months, which a look at the standings in the Premier League will tell you.

“But by no means will this be an easy game for us. I look forward to our game in London and back home in Munich.”

The first leg of the tie takes place at Emirates Stadium on February 19.