When Arsenal were initially drawn against Monaco in the last-16 of the Champions League, it appeared to be a straight-forward route to a first quarter-final appearance in years.
It was certainly less daunting than another visit to the Nou Camp and Allianz Arena, closely followed by a ticket out of Europe.
But a first leg against his former club Monaco tonight will be a very tough not to crack for Arsene Wenger.
Last month, I watched them come up against French Ligue 1 leaders Lyon. Going into the game, both sides had not conceded a goal for aeons - multiple hours in the principality side's case.
Indeed that 0-0 draw was the culmination of an eight game run without conceding a single goal - form that helped propel the club up the table after an indifferent start to the new season under former Olympiacos and Sporting Lisbon manager Leonardo Jardim.
The experience of ex-Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has been key, while Italian centre-back Andrea Raggi has also been praised.
They also conceded just one goal in their Champions League group on the way to topping the standings, so they come to the Emirates as a resolute puzzle for Arsenal to try and unlock.
However, the thing that will give the Gunners some positive vibes is the statistics at the other end of the pitch. They have scored a measly 26 goals in 25 league games, while they only scored four times in six Champions League group games.
Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is also the club's league top scorer with just six goals.
Even a defence as occasionally shaky as Arsenal's will not fear that.
I previewed both of tonight's matches on the Monday Rewind podcast:
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