Kaiserslautern want to be more than just a footnote in Leverkusen's historic season

1. FC Kaiserslautern are one of the biggest underdogs in DFB Pokal final history. But one of Germany's most iconic clubs believes that they can do something special in Berlin. Here is their story.

Everything has been about Bayer Leverkusen and their unbeaten streak this season. But sometimes, we forget that to complete a historic unbeaten treble season, they still must beat an opponent at the DFB Pokal final—an opponent that is one of the most historic in German football: 1. FC Kaiserslautern.

“Any footballer not motivated for the final isn’t a good footballer,” Friedhelm Funkel said after Kaiserslautern’s 5-0 win over Braunschweig on Saturday. The answer was a response on whether his players would be extra motivated because everyone expects a Leverkusen win on Saturday.

“We will head to Berlin with optimism,” Funkel said. “Because we want to be a good opponent. We want to make the most of our small chance in the game. The boys have worked hard for this opportunity.”