André Santos: Arsenal need to beat Schalke

Arsenal defender André Santos insists it is important for the Gunners to win against Schalke in the Champions League on Wednesday after opening with two victories in the tournament.

Santos, 29, joined the club from Fenerbahçe last summer and believes that it is crucial for the London side's hopes in the tournament that they top their group - in order to avoid a second-round fixture with a European heavyweight.

It is a situation Arsenal have fallen foul of in the past and the Brazilian hopes that with a clean-sweep in the opening set of fixtures, they can avoid the same fate this season.

"Of course a win on Wednesday would put us in a strong position, but qualification will also depend on other results," Santos told Arsenal Player.

"Obviously to have nine points in three games will be a big step up, but we have to be cautious. We know that we have strong teams in our group and there will still be three games after this one, but a win on Wednesday will put us in a good position.

"It is very important to finish the group stage in first place, we now have six points and we will push to finish top of the group. Matches in the Champions League are never easy - you play against world class players and you need to show character and strength at all times."