Matchday One Athens 18 September 2002 OLYMPIAKOS PIRAEUS FC – BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN APOLLON RIZOPOULOS STADIUM, ATHENS WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2002 at 21.45
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP F, MATCHDAY 1
OLYMPIAKOS PIRAEUS FC v BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN
A year ago, Oympiakos Piraeus FC were drawn against Manchester United FC on Matchday 1 and, this time round, have an equally attractive opening fixture against the side that eliminated the English champions and made Real Madrid CF sweat for their victory in the Glasgow final. For the Greek hosts, the match signifies a debut at a new venue, where the aim will be to secure more points than they did last season and to improve their record by progressing further than the first group stage. For Bayer 04 Leverkusen, this match represents a major test during a transitional period in which Klaus Toppmöller has been re-building a side in the wake of a series of departures at the end of last season. A thrilling opening match is in prospect.