New Delhi: Arsenal shot stopper Manuel Almunia reflects on his last trip to El Madrigal.
Since Arsenal's last Champion's League outing against Villarreal in 2006, Spanish 'keeper Manuel Almunia has come a long way for his club, replacing Jens Lehmann, between the sticks.
Almunia recently attended a press conference and gave his thoughts on the previous visit to El Madrigal.
"It's a good memory and we'd like to do it again," he said.
"It can be an inspiration to us that we came here to El Madrigal and imposed ourselves the last time and that sent us into the final."
After having to watch from the sidelines in the semi-final, Almunia would make an appearance in the final after the early dismissal of Jens Lehmann.
Since then, Almunia has been a regular feature at the Emirates and now wishes to highlight his profile further by keeping Villarreal at bay.
"It has been proven time and again that Villarreal is a hard place to play in Europe and we know they have never lost at home in the Champions League," he continued.
"But we have played really well away from home (this season) apart from one match, against Roma. If we can set ourselves up well in the first leg and get a decent result then we can seal our place in the semi-finals in the second leg. We respect Villarreal without fearing them."
With the tie quickly approaching, Almunia insists that the 17-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, the sense of brotherhood within the squad, and the return of key injured players is a real lift for the club.
"This is a young Arsenal side but we have matured together and are ready to thrive in the closing stages of this season," added Almunia.
"Guys like Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Alexandre Song are young but talented and returning to full fitness just in time."
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