The Dutchman captained the Gunners and opened the scoring from the penalty spot as they booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League by beating Partizan Belgrade 3-1. Asked if they believed they could end their trophy drought, Van Persie told ITV1: "We have to. Everything starts with belief. If you don't have belief you'd better stop playing football. "We do believe." It was not plain sailing for Arsenal as Partizan pegged them bag at 1-1 through Cordova Cleo in the 52nd minute, before late strikes from substitute Theo Walcott and in-form Samir Nasri sealed the points. The Gunners also had Bacary Sagna sent off with four minutes to go for a professional foul. "The pressure was on today," Van Persie told ITV1. "They played quite well. Partizan are a good side. They kept the ball quite well. We had to run a lot." Asked who he is hoping to play in the next round, Van Persie said: "As a football fan Barcelona or (Real) Madrid but we'll see what the draw will be." Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was pleased to see Van Persie improving as he continues his comeback from injury. "It's important that he comes back to a good fitness level," said Wenger. "I think he became stronger and stronger during the game." Wenger conceded he was worried when Partizan pulled the game back to 1-1. "When it was 1-1, you never know," he said. "Football is mysterious sometimes. They got a deflected goal, they had not many chances. "Sometimes when it's all against you they can score a second goal
