Holders Milan and favourites Real Madrid were relieved to be kept apart and also away from in-form English league leaders Arsenal in the draw for the Champions League quarter-finals.

“It will be a difficult match for us,” said Madrid director and former striker Emilio Butragueno of his team’s clash with Monaco.

“It will be the first since the terrible atrocities and we want to give something to the fans.”

Butragueno said that the Spanish side would not try to prevent Morientes playing in the tie.

“He played for us for many years, for him it will not be easy but he is a professional and he will try to help his team to beat Madrid,” he said.

Milan meanwhile, will respect Deportivo, especially sicen the Spanish side’s win over Juventus in the previous round.

“It was important to avoid Real Madrid and we’ve managed it. All the other teams are roughly at the same level,” said Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“Deportivo are well organized, especially in defence… but the draw is a good one.”

Arsenal were less pleased with their draw with Chelsea, although it could have been worse as they have not been beaten by their Premmiership rivals for16 matches.

“To meet Chelsea, who we have already played three times this year, is a little bit anti-climactic perhaps but yet it’s a massive game and it’s there to be won with a very juicy semi-final if we manage to get that far,” said Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

“And of course, Dennis Bergkamp will be able to travel and should be available for a European away game,” added Dein.