Rivals determined to end an era in style
As FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Werder Bremen vie to become the 38th and final team to win the UEFA Cup, the coaches of both sides in Istanbul are fully expecting to bring the curtain down on the competition in style.
Apprentice Özil prepares to fill master's boots
Torsten Frings says the UEFA Cup final provides Werder Bremen with the "chance to redeem ourselves" after a poor Bundesliga campaign, and in the absence of the suspended Diego the onus could fall on Mesut Özil.
Lucescu fixes eyes on UEFA Cup prize
Coach Mircea Lucescu hopes to realise the next part of his long-term plan when he leads FC Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup final, saying: "We deserve to be here and we are hoping to return to Donetsk with the cup."
Like player, like coach for loyal Schaaf
Having won the Bundesliga as both coach and player with Werder Bremen Thomas Schaaf hopes to emulate that feat by guiding them to their first European title since helping win the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 17 years ago.
Pitmen steeled for momentous match
For Darijo Srna there is a sense FC Shakhtar Donetsk have been building towards this moment for a long, long time as he geared up for the "most important game of my life" against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup final.
Peszko secures Polish Cup win for Lech
Sławomir Peszko scored the only goal shortly after half-time as KKS Lech Poznań defeated KS Ruch Chorzów 1-0 to win the Polish Cup for a fifth time – much to the delight of coach Franciszek Smuda.
Planet transfixed by Ronaldo v Messi
Final blog: When two of the world's top clubs come together to contest the UEFA Champions League final, so too will two of the planet's best players − Manchester United FC's Cristiano Ronaldo and FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
Zvezda coach Grigoryan resigns
Zvezda-2005 coach Aleksandr Grigoryan has resigned in the wake of the 6-0 home defeat by FCR 2001 Duisburg in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Cup final, sporting director Stanislav Kharitonov taking over.
Bremen 'focused on finishing the job'
Werder Bremen playmaker Diego may be suspended for the UEFA Cup final, but in this Q&A with uefa.com readers he insists he will still be doing everything he can to help his team beat FC Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul.
Former Sevilla skipper Navarro calls it quits
Sevilla FC's double UEFA Cup-winning captain Javi Navarro, 35, confirmed his retirement from football during a conference at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán after losing a two-year battle with a persistent knee injury.
UEFA Grassroots Charter continues to grow
UEFA's Executive Committee has admitted more European national football associations to the UEFA Grassroots Charter at its most recent meeting in Bucharest, Romania.
Who will win in Istanbul?
The contest has already begun ahead of the UEFA Cup final with Werder Bremen's Mesut Özil and FC Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu both bidding to claim the hearts, minds and support of the neutrals in Istanbul.
Pizarro out to keep the faith in UEFA Cup final
Unwanted by Chelsea FC but thriving on loan with UEFA Cup finalists Werder Bremen, striker Claudio Pizarro tells uefa.com that his prolific season is down to an act of faith by the German club and Thomas Schaaf.
Golden goal a dream for Ilsinho
In a Q&A with uefa.com readers, FC Shakhtar Donetsk winger Ilsinho says he is "still pinching" himself after scoring the last-minute winner that sent his team into the UEFA Cup final at the expense of FC Dynamo Kyiv.
Baía recalls Porto's coming of age drama
Goalkeeper Vítor Baía realised a childhood dream when he helped FC Porto win the UEFA Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory against Celtic FC in 2003, a triumph that marked the arrival of José Mourinho on the European stage.
Rosenberg eager to push his luck
Hugo Almeida's suspension looks set to give Markus Rosenberg a place in Werder Bremen's UEFA Cup final lineup, with the Swedish forward telling uefa.com he hopes the big occasion can help him get back to scoring form.
Soviet gains provide Chygrynskiy inspiration
He may be "a little nervous" but Dmytro Chygrynskiy is confident that ten months after Anatoliy Tymoshchuk toured with the UEFA Cup trophy, FC Shakhtar Donetsk will ensure it remains in Ukraine on a permanent basis.
Juventus comeback for defender Cannavaro
The day after the dismissal of Claudio Ranieri and the appointment of Ciro Ferrara as the club's new coach, Juventus have captured their first transfer target for next season with the return of Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.
Germany reward fans with U17 success
The UEFA European Under-17 Champiponship in Germany was deservedly won by the hosts in a dramatic final but the event will truly live long in the memory due to the huge crowds, including a record 24,000 for the decider.
Champions Festival to resume in Rome
A five-day celebration of football kicks off in Rome's historic centre on Saturday 23 May with UEFA Champions League final ambassador Bruno Conti attending the official opening of the UEFA Champions Festival.