WELCOME
CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE
I am delighted to welcome you to the
first leg of the semifinal of the UEFA
Champions League between Ajax
and Panathinaikos.
Every round in the UEFA Champions
League has its own charm and its
own excitement. Looking back on the
list of final scores, it looks easy. Eight
neatly listed results, followed by the
semifinal. But such cold figures are
misleading, for every match means
lots of hard work, concentration and
inspiration. In every new match, ever
ything is done for a good result. With
blood, sweat and tears we achieved
eight excellent results on our way to
the semifinal. When you succeed,
when you have once again taken
your place among the élite of interna
tional football, you can be proud. But
the work is never finished. There is
always a new exertion waiting, a
fresh challenge ahead. From tonight,
that challenge is to reach the final in
the UEFA Champions League.
The name of the club we are playing
in this semifinal is written in bold type
in the annals of Ajax. Panathinaikos
is undoubtedly one of the great clubs
in Greek football, a club with a glo
rious past and a brilliant current
record. Moreover, our two clubs have
an excellent relationship, particularly
since last year. Immediately after our
winter break, Ajax spent a week in
Greece as guests of Panathinaikos.
The hospitality and friendship we
encountered then were a shining exa
mple. Although football is about win
ning and about points, I pincerely
hope this will be an occasion for us
to repay in an appropriate way the
warmth Panathinaikos extended to
us.
In international terms, Ajax vs
Panathinaikos is our farewell to the
Olympic Stadium. That too is a fact
that should not go unnoticed. In this
old arena we have celebrated count
less triumphs. An important part of
Ajax' history was written here, which
makes this farewell - however promi
sing the future at the Amsterdam
Arena may look - an emotional one.
What could be more beautiful than to
say goodbye to the Olympic Stadium
with a great match against
Panathinaikos? With your support
and respect for our opponent it will
be an unforgettable evening.
Michael van Praag
Chairman AFC Ajax
7
