Uefa Champions League: Wenger Backs Arsenal To Go Through

Arsene Wenger hailed Arsenal's comeback against Barcelona and insisted they can still beat the European champions.

The Gunners were second best for most of the match at the Emirates on Wednesday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

And Zlatan Ibrahimovic's brace early in the second half was no more than Barca deserved.

But Theo Walcott's introduction inspired Arsenal's fightback as he fired home with 20 minutes left, before captain Cesc Fabregas scored from the penalty spot after being felled by Carles Puyol.

And Wenger admitted he was delighted with his side's efforts.

'I am proud that we came back from 2-0 down against such a good side,' he told Sky Sports.

'It was a great footballing night overall with two teams who never stopped going forward.

'I believe they were mightily ahead of us in the first 30 minutes, we came back into it slowly and in the second half it was much more balanced.'

Wenger admits he was disappointed with the way his side went behind in the second half.

'The regret I have is that we gave two cheap goals away against a side who can finish real chances without you giving them,' he said.

'But it showed great strength to come back and if we can manage to be organised in Barcelona then I think we have a chance.'

Wenger feels his side have learned a lesson from the game, adding,'They have learned a game, they have met a team that can move the ball quicker than us.

'People will come home thinking that Barca will have no problems in the second leg because they played great, (but) I am convinced we will have a big say in this qualification.'