Romanian rivals go head to head
Friday, 17 March 2006
Former European champions FC Steaua Bucuresti will have to overcome city rivals AFC Rapid Bucuresti in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals if they are to keep alive their dream of a second continental title 20 years after their maiden success.
Big names
The duel between the Romanian sides was the highlight of a draw carried out by UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson and Hans van Breukelen, the former PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands goalkeeper. The quarter-finals will also see Sevilla FC taking on FC Zenit St.Petersburg, FC Basel 1893 meeting Middlesbrough FC and PFC Levski Sofia up against FC Schalke 04.
Final route
Today's proceedings in Eindhoven involved a straight draw involving all eight clubs without seedings or country protection. As well as the quarter-finals, the draw was also made for the semi-finals, meaning teams know whom they will face over two legs on 20 and 27 April should they progress. The final will take place in the Dutch city on 10 May.
'Very proud'
Prior to the draw at the futuristic Evoluon Conference Centre, Mr Olsson presided over the ceremonial UEFA Cup handover which saw PFC CSKA Moskva president Evgeni Giner present the trophy won in Lisbon last May to the mayor of Eindhoven, Alexander Sakker. Upon receiving the trophy, the mayor vowed "to guard it with my life", adding that he was "very proud" that Eindhoven would stage the final.
Tribute paid
Mr Olsson also found time to pay his respects to Frits Philips who died aged 100 in December. He was the son of Dr Anton Philips - the man who founded Philips Sport Vereniging, later shortened to PSV Eindhoven. Head of the Philips company until 1977, he witnessed all 18 of the club's Dutch championship successes. "He represented Dutch culture and the game of football in a remarkable way," the CEO said.
2005/06 UEFA Cup quarter-finals
First-legs: 30 March
Second-legs: 6 April
1 Sevilla FC (ESP) v FC Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS)
2 FC Basel 1893 (SUI) v Middlesbrough FC (ENG)
3 AFC Rapid Bucuresti (ROM) v FC Steaua Bucuresti (ROM)
4 PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) v FC Schalke 04 (GER)
2005/06 UEFA Cup semi-finals
First-legs: 20 April
Second-legs: 27 April
1 Winner quarter-final 4 v Winner quarter-final 1
2 Winner quarter-final 3 v Winner quarter-final 2
2005/06 UEFA Cup final
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Wednesday 10 May
1 Winner semi-final 2 v Winner semi-final 1
source: uefa.com
Friday, 17 March 2006
Former European champions FC Steaua Bucuresti will have to overcome city rivals AFC Rapid Bucuresti in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals if they are to keep alive their dream of a second continental title 20 years after their maiden success.
Big names
The duel between the Romanian sides was the highlight of a draw carried out by UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson and Hans van Breukelen, the former PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands goalkeeper. The quarter-finals will also see Sevilla FC taking on FC Zenit St.Petersburg, FC Basel 1893 meeting Middlesbrough FC and PFC Levski Sofia up against FC Schalke 04.
Final route
Today's proceedings in Eindhoven involved a straight draw involving all eight clubs without seedings or country protection. As well as the quarter-finals, the draw was also made for the semi-finals, meaning teams know whom they will face over two legs on 20 and 27 April should they progress. The final will take place in the Dutch city on 10 May.
'Very proud'
Prior to the draw at the futuristic Evoluon Conference Centre, Mr Olsson presided over the ceremonial UEFA Cup handover which saw PFC CSKA Moskva president Evgeni Giner present the trophy won in Lisbon last May to the mayor of Eindhoven, Alexander Sakker. Upon receiving the trophy, the mayor vowed "to guard it with my life", adding that he was "very proud" that Eindhoven would stage the final.
Tribute paid
Mr Olsson also found time to pay his respects to Frits Philips who died aged 100 in December. He was the son of Dr Anton Philips - the man who founded Philips Sport Vereniging, later shortened to PSV Eindhoven. Head of the Philips company until 1977, he witnessed all 18 of the club's Dutch championship successes. "He represented Dutch culture and the game of football in a remarkable way," the CEO said.
2005/06 UEFA Cup quarter-finals
First-legs: 30 March
Second-legs: 6 April
1 Sevilla FC (ESP) v FC Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS)
2 FC Basel 1893 (SUI) v Middlesbrough FC (ENG)
3 AFC Rapid Bucuresti (ROM) v FC Steaua Bucuresti (ROM)
4 PFC Levski Sofia (BUL) v FC Schalke 04 (GER)
2005/06 UEFA Cup semi-finals
First-legs: 20 April
Second-legs: 27 April
1 Winner quarter-final 4 v Winner quarter-final 1
2 Winner quarter-final 3 v Winner quarter-final 2
2005/06 UEFA Cup final
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Wednesday 10 May
1 Winner semi-final 2 v Winner semi-final 1
source: uefa.com
