Cup Final Presents Bayern With Chance to Make More History

Bayern clinched the double last season with a 2-1 cup final victory over Schalke 04 and will again start as favorites against a team 36 points below them in the German table.

If Felix Magath's team can overcome Frankfurt at Berlin's Olympic Stadium then a second successive double looks a formality with Bayern requiring just five points from the remaining three games to defend their Bundesliga crown.

"Although the cup is not as important here as it is in say England, the final is still a highlight," said Magath. "No German team has managed to defend the double so that is our target."

For Magath the match also has added spice as Frankfurt sacked him as manager back in 2001.

It proved a blessing in disguise as he took over at VfB Stuttgart and his sterling work eventually netted him the Bayern job in July 2004.

Frankfurt ready for an upset

Friedhelm Funkel is his opposite number in the dug-out come Saturday and the Frankfurt manager is relishing the underdog role. "I like facing Bayern. There is no bigger incentive for players than beating Bayern in front of 75,000 fans and we will certainly enjoy it," declared Funkel.

Three-time winners Frankfurt may be outsiders but they underlined their pedigree with a 6-0 demolition of last year's finalists Schalke on route to their first cup final in 18 long years.

Bayern have had to wait just 12 months to reach Berlin again and hope to lift the trophy for the 13th time.

In 14 cup finals Bayern have only lost twice to Bayer Uerdingen back in 1985 and Werder Bremen in 1999.

First timers on both sides want glory

Bayern's German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has won the competition four times but for his team-mate Philipp Lahm it is all a new experience.

"This is my first big final and I cannot wait," said Lahm. "I want to lift my first title."

For Frankfurt players it is also the chance to secure a rare winners medal and Greek international Ioannis Amanatidis is raring to take on Bayern. "It is the biggest moment of my career," enthused Amanatidis.

"We wanted Bayern and that is who we have. It is also a bonus that they are there as we will qualify for Europe whatever happens."

Win or lose Frankfurt will secure a UEFA Cup spot as Bayern have already sealed a Champions League berth through the league.