It was Galatasaray S.K.'s first appearance in a final of a European tournament and Arsenal F.C.'s first UEFA Cup final.
The match was attended by 38,919 spectators, as Galatasaray S.K. won 4-1 on penalties following extra time, making it the first time for a Turkish side to win a European honour.
As a result of their triumph, Galatasaray S.K. became the first UEFA Cup winner to compete for the UEFA Super Cup, following the dissolution of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and also initially qualified for the later-cancelled 2001 FIFA Club World Championship.
Galatasaray S.K. overcame Bologna, Borussia Dortmund, Mallorca and Leeds United A.F.C. on their way, while Arsenal F.C. defeated Nantes, Deportivo de La Coruña, S.V. Werder Bremen and Lens.
Galatasaray S.K. also becoming the first ever team from Turkey to make the final in a UEFA club football competition.