Grand start to second stage
Friday, November 15, 2002
Article summary
Two Spanish-Italian encounters get the second group stage under way in fine style.
Article body
The second group stage of the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League will kick off in grand fashion on 26 November with a Matchday Seven meeting between AC Milan and Real Madrid CF at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium.
Madrid victory
The two clubs have won Europe's premier club competition no fewer than 14 times between them and contested the third final back in 1958 when the Spanish side won 3-2 after extra time.
Basel thrilled
Elsewhere on the opening night RC Deportivo La Coruña will play Juventus FC, BV Borussia Dortmund face a tricky trip to FC Lokomotiv Moskva and fans of FC Basel will be thrilled at the prospect of a visit from 1999 winners Manchester United FC..
Barça in Germany
On the following night Bayer 04 Leverkusen are at home to FC Barcelona, Newcastle United FC welcome Internazionale FC, AS Roma play Arsenal FC in Rome, and AFC Ajax travel to Spain to play Valencia CF.
Sir Bobby returns
Matchday Eight, on 10 and 11 December, brings a big test for Lokomotiv as they travel to the Santiago Bernabéu to play the holders Madrid; Manchester United and Deportivo go head to head again at Old Trafford; Sir Bobby Robson returns to Barcelona with his Newcastle team; and Dortmund face Milan in Germany.
