Arsenal vs Barcelona: Petr Cech has an impressive record against Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar
Many expect ‘the MSN’ will have too much but the Gunners' goalkeeper can offer hope
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal have not been given a chance by many ahead of tonight’s Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Barcelona.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have played irresistibly all season long and many expect ‘the MSN’ to have too much for Arsenal’s defence at the Emirates.
There is, however, one man in their backline who has the edge over his illustrious La Liga opponents. Petr Cech’s record against Barça trio is something to be proud of, as his manager noted in the pre-match press conference on Monday.
"I've seen many strikers in my life but I've never seen a record like that," he said of Messi, who recently became the first player to score over 300 goals in La Liga. "I hope that [Messi's failures against Cech] will give Petr Cech confidence.
"We played a final against Barcelona in 2006 and that's where he started to have a reputation. It's remarkable what he has achieved. But I hope he has a little complex tomorrow and that history plays against him.
"I know they have exceptional talent but the only way to stop them is collectively. Let's not forget we have a good defensive record and a great goalkeeper as well."
So, just how good is Cech’s record against Luis Enrique’s attacking talents?
Petr Cech vs Neymar
To be fair to the Brazilian national team’s captain, you can’t have much of a ‘record’ against a goalkeeper if you’ve never played him. Neymar and Arsenal’s goalkeeper will meet for the first time at the Emirates but, still, it stands that Cech has never conceded to him.
Games against Cech: 0
Goals against Cech: 0
Petr Cech vs Luis Suarez
His record is not unblemished against the former Liverpool striker.
During his time in England, Suarez scored against Cech’s Chelsea home and away during the 2012/13 season, the former strike being on that infamous day when Branislav Ivanovic received a nip on the arm.
Games against Cech: 5
Goals against Cech: 2
Petr Cech vs Lionel Messi
By far the most impressive comparison of the lot. Despite coming up against the world’s best player on six different occasions, Cech has shut him out every time.
Messi failed to score in each of Barcelona’s two-legged Champions League ties with Chelsea in 2006, 2009 and 2012. You may also remember him striking a penalty against the crossbar while facing Cech down at the Nou Camp four years ago.
Games against Cech: 6
Goals against Cech: 0
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