Iniesta geed up for Ibrox decider

FC Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta feels tonight's Group E fixture against Rangers FC "will be decisive" in deciding who progresses to the knockout phase.

'Here to win'
Both sides are level on six points having won their first two fixtures and while Rangers' 3-0 away win over Olympique Lyonnais on Matchday 2 raised eyebrows throughout Europe, Iniesta was not surprised. "It's not a surprise to see Rangers doing so well because I was sure they would fight with Lyon and [VfB] Stuttgart to try and get through," said Iniesta, who is expected to be partnered in midfield by Xavi Hernández and Eidur Gudjohnsen with Deco out injured. "On paper Barcelona are the favourites to progress but both teams are now fighting for the top two places and this game will be decisive. We are here to win and not to take a draw."

Celtic success
The diminutive 23-year-old has already tasted UEFA Champions League victory in Glasgow having featured in Barcelona's 3-1 win over Celtic FC in the 2004/05 group stage. It was the first time that Barça had won on Scottish soil, with Henrik Larsson returning to haunt his former club. Iniesta, though, is under no illusions as to the size of the task his side faces if they are to leave Ibrox with another three points. "Having played against Celtic a few years ago, I know this will be another intense match," he said. "Rangers are strong at the back and have good forwards too. We know the Spanish players [Carlos Cuéllar and Nacho Novo] and they will want to do well against a side from their own country."

'A nice experience'
Meanwhile, Argentinian centre-back Gabriel Milito insists Barcelona will not be intimidated by Glasgow's reputation as a European football fortress with Rangers and Celtic as well as the Scottish national side boasting unbeaten records in European competition over the past two years. "People say Glasgow is one of the hardest away fixtures in the world," said Milito. "I've never played here but I've been told the Scottish fans are colourful and really support their team. It will be a nice experience, but we won't be intimidated by the noise inside Ibrox. Our team's philosophy doesn't change from stadium to stadium, so we will play our normal game and not take into account the intimidating atmosphere."