Big names on collision course

Past glory

'Big challenge'
Speaking to uefa.com, Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry said: "The game in Bucharest will be a big challenge but we are looking forward to it. We know the city very well." He added: "I hope our team's experience is going to be decisive against Steaua. The UEFA Cup is very important to us and we hope to repeat the success of two years ago."

Tough task
Valencia CF's tie against Maccabi Haifa FC was another intriguing fixture from the draw held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The Spanish league leaders Valencia, UEFA Champions League finalists in 2000 and 2001, will have to be at their best to eliminate their Israeli counterparts. Another eye-catching fixture pits two sides who reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season, FC Basel and Newcastle United FC, against each other.

French hopefuls
Other ties include German contenders BV Borussia Dortmund's meeting with FC Sochaux-Montbéliard of France while Dutch side FC Utrecht will take on another French side in the shape of AJ Auxerre. Also Rosenborg BK of Norway will take on FK Crvena Zvezda of Serbia and Montenegro, while AC Perugia may be wary of facing FC Aris Thessaloniki - the Greek side beat the Italian club on their UEFA Cup debut in 1979/80, and ending Perugia's interest in the competition until their comeback this season, 24 years on.

November matches
The fixed date of the first-leg matches is 6 November, with the returns to follow on 27 November. The final will be played in Gothenburg on 19 May 2004.

* matches reversed