Road to Glasgow becomes clear
Friday, March 16, 2007
Article summary
The three Spanish teams were kept apart in the UEFA Cup quarter-final draw, although the holders Sevilla FC face a tricky tie against Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Article body
Holders Sevilla FC will have to overcome Tottenham Hotspur FC in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals if they are to keep alive their dream of becoming the first team since Real Madrid CF in 1986 to successfully defend the trophy.
Big names
The duel between the sides was the highlight of a draw carried out by interim UEFA Chief Executive Gianni Infantino, former Celtic FC captain Billy McNeill and David Taylor, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association. The quarter-finals will also see AZ Alkmaar take on Werder Bremen, Bayer 04 Leverkusen meet CA Osasuna and RCD Espanyol up against SL Benfica, with matches scheduled for 5 and 12 April.
'Values of sport'
Mr Infantino also made a statement on behalf of UEFA, saying: "So far this season we have seen many thrilling matches which have been followed by increasing levels of television viewers and spectators across Europe. Paramount to maintaining such levels of interest is preserving and promoting the values of sport. Unfortunately we have lately witnessed unacceptable scenes both inside and around the stadiums. We would like to make a plea to all of you – clubs, players, officials and fans - to promote the core values of our game in the spirit of fair play, loyalty and respect, thus setting the right example for future generations."
Final route
Today's proceedings in Glasgow involved a straight draw featuring 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 now know whom they will face over two legs on 26 April and 3 May should they progress. The final will take place at Hampden Park on 16 May.
Handover
Prior to the draw in the Old Fruitmarket at the City Halls, Mr Infantino presided over the ceremonial UEFA Cup handover in which Sevilla representatives, including coach Juande Ramos and Enzo Maresca, who scored twice in last year's 4-0 final victory over Middlesbrough FC, handed the trophy won in Eindhoven back to Mr Infantino, who accepted it on UEFA's behalf. Mr Infantino subsequently presented the trophy to the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Liz Cameron, after the draw.
'Historic moment'
"We're happy to have got through last night and to have the chance to defend our trophy," said Maresca. "To be honest, we were a bit lucky with Andrés Palop's late equaliser but we deserved to score before then. For us, winning this trophy was a historic moment, our first European win and a great achievement for the club. We're here to leave the trophy for two months and then take it back to Seville! We know it will be difficult to win it again, but we will try and you never know what will happen."
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