Pre-Match Report

WCL: Rayo Vallecano v Arsenal Ladies

Kim Little takes on the Spanish champions in 2010

By Chris Harris

Arsenal and Rayo Vallecano renew acquaintances in the Women's Champions League tonight and Laura Harvey wants a repeat of last season's victory - with less of the drama.

The teams played out a seven-goal thriller in last year's last-16 clash as Arsenal fought back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a last-gasp strike from Katie Chapman.

It was a topsy-turvy tie and it frayed plenty of nerves on the touchline. Harvey expects another close encounter but she thinks a stronger start from Arsenal in Spain will make all the difference.

"“I’m hoping it’s not going to be as gut-wrenching like last season’s game but obviously they are a very good side," she told Arsenal.com.

"We know all about them from the two games last season and in some ways it’s nice that we go into the game knowing a bit more about them because last year Rayo Vallecano took our players a little bit by surprise.

"I watched them play and knew they could cause us problems but this time we will prepare well. We want to put right last season’s performance in Spain.

“We can take so many positives from last year. Every game was close and nervy but we now want to try and make  games a bit more comfortable. We know the Madrid game will be tough but we believe over two legs we are good enough to beat them."

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