Champions League: “We were very, very close” – Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger watched on, as his Arsenal side came one goal away, from the quarter-finals of the Champions League and conceded that the Mandzukic's strike three weeks ago at the Emirate, made their job very difficult.

"I believe we were very, very close. We were unlucky a few times as well. I think about Gervinho's chance and maybe one or two set pieces we could have done better.

"Overall, we had a great go. The regrets we have are from the first game when we conceded a very cheap goal in the last five minutes. If we had lost 2-1 at home you would see how important that goal was.

"I know these players, they have a fantastic attitude and spirit. We have the quality but unfortunately we have to go out of the Champions League. It hurts very much but the positives are the performance and the spirit."