Group D: Arsenal rivals have point to prove
Friday, November 2, 2001
Article summary
RC Deportivo La Coruña may feel they have something to prove when they open their second group stage campaign against Arsenal FC.
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Unbeaten Spaniards
The unbeaten Spanish side’s first Group D fixture pits them against the side who knocked them out of the UEFA Cup at the fourth-round stage in 2000. Deportivo will recall with little fondness their 5-1 first-leg defeat at Highbury stadium, which rendered a 2-1 second-leg success meaningless.
Historical resonance
While Deportivo entertain Arsenal, Juventus FC play host to Bayer 04 Leverkusen – the first fixture between these sides. Juventus have to wait until 4 December and Matchday Eight for a match with an historical resonance. Marcello Lippi’s men travel to Arsenal that night where they renew acquaintance with the club that eliminated the 1980 Bianconeri side from the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Inaugural encounter
That year Arsenal fought back to draw 1-1 at Highbury before winning the second leg of the semi-final in Turin’s Communale stadium 1-0. Deportivo travel to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on the same night for the sides’ inaugural encounter.