‘We must match Dortmund’s intensity’

Santi Cazorla says Arsenal must match Borussia Dortmund’s physical intensity if they are to beat them in their Champions League double-header.

The Gunners host last season’s beaten finalists at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, before facing them again in Germany on November 6.

Cazorla is looking forward to the games but says Arsene Wenger’s in-form side must be at their best to secure two positive results.

“Every team has a different playing philosophy,” Cazorla told Arsenal Player. “Regarding Dortmund, I would say that they have great players, but I would underline as well that intensity is their trademark.

“Last season’s [semi-final] ties against Real Madrid are still in my mind. Borussia hammered Real Madrid both mentally and physically and that’s why they made it to the Champions League final.

“Borussia are an ambitious team, they know what they are doing on the pitch and most of the players have been there for years. It’s really hard to beat them if you don’t match their intensity.”

Cazorla missed Arsenal's first two Group F games due to injury, but was highly impressed with the Gunners’ victories against Marseille and Napoli.

“The team has coped very well in my absence,” he said. “I’m not the only one who has been injured. For instance, Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were injured too. But the team showed a great level from the beginning.

“We have achieved important victories against Marseille and Napoli ahead of our double clash with Dortmund. They are the current Champions League finalists and have superb players - it’s going to be an excellent game. If we beat them at home, we will take a great step forward.”