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The English Premier League side's wait for a trophy is in danger of extending to eight years after a 3-1 defeat at home to Bayern Munich left them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League. 

But the former Southampton attacker has urged supporters to stand by the Frenchman, who he is sure will be able to lift the players' moral despite the devastating defeat. 

"We've got the best man in the job to get our heads back to where they should be," Walcott told reporters. "I've played a lot of games in the Champions League and I know how things go."

Big names such as Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben have struggled for starts in the past few weeks having been usurped from their positions while out injured.

Petersen, who joined Bayern in 2011 but spent last season confined to the fringes of the squad, highlighted the plight of Claudio Pizarro, who he believes has the quality to succeed anywhere in Germany.

"It's sensational playing for Bayern," the former Energie Cottbus forward told Bild. "They are among the top five clubs in the world, and have tremendous quality. Trophies are often guaranteed every year.

Massimiliano Allegri's men were languishing in mid-table in Serie A in November but an admirable streak of form has seen them shoot up to third.

Ambrosini believes the Italian side were justified in attempting to frustrate Barcelona on Wednesday, and rejected any notion of his side having one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"History has shown that Barcelona have been knocked out of the competition by teams that play a certain type of football," Ambrosini told the club's website. "It is a team win and all the players should feel a part of it.

The 27-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Newcastle in January and has had to fight for a starting berth with 50-million pound man Fernando Torres.

Chelsea are known to be long-term admirers of Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao. 

With Romelu Lukaku impressing while on loan at West Bromwich Albion, there will likely be fiercer competition for places in 2013/14, but the Senegal striker says he is unconcerned.

"Everywhere you go, (competition) is there. It will always exist. I'm at one of Europe's biggest clubs," he told reporters.

The La Liga giants were fancied to beat AC Milan on Wednesday, but goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari ensured the visitors went home empty-handed in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg.

Pique hopes he and his team-mates can learn from what was a flat display at San Siro, and refused to blame any external factors for their defeat.

"We are Barcelona and we have to fight back," he told the club's website.

FC Rubin Kazan 0-1 Club Atlético de Madrid (agg: 2-1)

Falcao set up a tense finale, but the hosts defended stoutly and claimed the scalp of the holders thanks to their win in Spain last week.

FC Rubin Kazan's victory in Spain last week proved to be enough as they knocked out holders Club Atlético de Madrid despite Falcao's late goal in Moscow.

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is delighted at the imminent return to action of team-mate Eric Abidal.

The French defender has been out of action for the past year following liver transplant surgery, and has been training with the first team since December in a bid to recover his fitness.

The full-back was given the all-clear to begin playing once more following further tests in January, and could well make his return in the coming weeks – much to the delight of Puyol.

"Today is the best news for Barcelonistas and football. Abidal has already been discharged. With him we are stronger," Puyol tweeted.