!!!GALATASARAY!!!

UEFA CUP 2000 WINNERS

THE STORY

Galatasaray, the Turkish League and Cup champion, became the first Turkish club to win the European title by beating Britain's Arsenal 4-1 with penalties after the UEFA Cup final finished goalless following the extra time on 17 May, 2000 in the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The shootout tipped Galatasaray's way when Ergun Penbe scored the opening penalty and Suker hit Claudio Taffarel's left-hand post.

Hakan Þükür and Ümit Davala scored for Galatasaray while Ray Parlour was the only Arsenal player to score from the post. The turks were already well ahead at 3-1 when Giga Popescu stepped up and smashed the ball past Seaman to send the Turkish fans into utter delight, although it has to be said that on the night, they were the better team.While over 10,000 Galatasaray fans flew to Denmark to watch the final, 170 Turkish deputies and seven ministers, accompanied by over 100 members of the press , visited Copenhagen to witness Galatasaray's great victory.

Following Galatasaray's glorious victory in the UEFA Cup, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, Parliament Speaker Yýldýrým Akbulut, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahçeli, Sports Minister Fikret Ünlü, leaders of the political parties and Turkish National Team Coach Mustafa Denizli issued messages congratulating Galatasaray. During the May 19 celebration held in Ankara's May 19 Stadium, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer presented the State Distinguished Service Award to Galatasaray Club President Faruk Süren.

Galatasaray's victory was not only celebrated nationwide but also by Turks living abroad.

After the match, Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim said that the victory was not just for the club and its fans but for the entire nation. ''Many people suffered terribly in the earthquake in Turkey last year and if this victory brings some happiness back into their lives then I'm delighted and so are all the players.'' said Terim

THANK YOU GALATASARAY !!!