PSV

Arsenal have also picked up impressive wins in the competition themselves away from home, putting five past Sporting, seven past PSV Eindhoven and beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

But in Europe they have won six of their eight league-phase games and also beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 in the last 16 on their way to the semi-finals.

England winger Sterling contributed two assists as the Gunners drew 2-2 on Wednesday evening, but swept to a 9-3 aggregate success over PSV Eindhoven.

And while a late booking against PSV also means he will be ruled out of the first leg against reigning European champions Real, Sterling remains hopeful he could yet play a pivotal role as the season reaches its climax.

Sterling, who was player of the match against PSV, has found himself largely on the periphery this term since joining Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August.