UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 2000
Galatasaray's historic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the 2000 UEFA Cup final.
The 2000 UEFA Cup final was a football match that took place on 17 May 2000 at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark to decide the winner of the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup. The game event pitted Galatasaray of Turkey and Arsenal of England, and was the final match of the 1999–2000 season, the 29th final of Europe's second largest club football competition, the UEFA Cup. It was Galatasaray's first appearance in a final of a European tournament and Arsenal's first UEFA Cup final.
- Venue
- Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
Lore & Background
Galatasaray won 4–1 on penalties following extra time, making it the first time for a Turkish side to win a European honour. They also obtained a Treble, having also won the Turkish league championship and the Turkish domestic cup titles. As a result of their triumph, Galatasaray became the first UEFA Cup winner to compete for the UEFA Super Cup, following the dissolution of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and also initially qualified for the later-cancelled 2001 FIFA Club World Championship. The final was marred by the riots between supporters of the two sides.
In Their Own Story
The rain fell softly over San Mamés as the clock ticked past ninety minutes. Silence hung heavy above the pitch, broken only by the rhythmic thud of boots against wet grass. In the penalty box, Bülent Akaydın stood ready, his gloves gripping the air. The roar of the crowd faded into a distant hum as Dennis Bergkamp approached the ball. One step, two steps—the ball flew toward the corner, but Akaydán dove instinctively. His fingertips brushed the leather, parrying it back onto earth. In that split second, history shifted.
Reader's Guide
The match was attended by 38,919 spectators. Galatasaray overcame Bologna, Borussia Dortmund, Mallorca and Leeds United on their way to the final, while Arsenal defeated Nantes, Deportivo La Coruña, Werder Bremen and Lens. The penalty shootout saves are misattributed: Cláudio Taffarel saved penalties from Ray Parlour and Patrick Vieira, not from Davor Šuker and Patrick Vieira; Davor Šuker's penalty hit the post and was not saved.
Did You Know?
- Galatasaray's victory was the first time a Turkish side won a European honour.
- Both clubs finished third in their Champions League first group stage before entering the UEFA Cup.
- The final was the first meeting between Galatasaray and Arsenal in a European competition.
- Galatasaray won the Turkish league and Turkish Cup in the same season, completing a Treble.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Galatasaray win the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup?
Galatasaray secured this historic title during the 1999-2000 season by lifting the cup in May 2000. This victory remains their only triumph in this specific European competition to date.
Who managed the team during the 2000 final victory?
The squad was led by legendary coach Fatih Terim, who orchestrated the strategy that guided them to Bilbao. His leadership is credited with transforming the team into a continental champion.
Which opponent did Galatasaray beat in Bilbao?
In the final match held at San Mamés Stadium, Galatasaray faced English giants Arsenal FC. They emerged victorious after a dramatic penalty shootout following a scoreless draw in regular time.
How was the 2000 final match decided?
The match ended without goals during regulation and extra time, forcing a decisive penalty shoot-out. Galatasaray won the shootout 4-1 to claim the trophy.
Why is this trophy significant for Turkish football history?
This win was monumental because it made Galatasaray the first Turkish club ever to win a major UEFA championship. Additionally, this edition marked the very last final of the Cup Winners' Cup before the tournament was discontinued.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in the Galatasaray universe
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