Xabi Alonso is viewing Bayer Leverkusen's DFB-Pokal clash with Bayern Munich as "a final".
Holders Leverkusen, who also won the Bundesliga last season, visit Bayern in the last 16 on Tuesday.
Leverkusen have been unable to sustain the immaculate form they showed domestically last term, though they have only lost one league match.
They sit seven points behind leaders Bayern, who drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, with Jamal Musiala scoring a late equaliser.
"The cup is one game and anything can happen," Alonso said on Monday.
"Tomorrow is like a final for us. There is no tougher game than a game at the Allianz Arena.
"Normally if Bayern play at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga, the Champions League or the DFB-Pokal they are always the favourites.
"It is the biggest challenge. Almost a final."
Ready for the Pokal! pic.twitter.com/aswnRN9p9X
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 2, 2024
Leverkusen will be without key striker Victor Boniface just as Bayern are missing top scorer Harry Kane.
But Alonso said he was happy to have forward Patrik Schick firing on all cylinders, with the Czech having netted the winner versus Union Berlin on Saturday after his hat-trick against Heidenheim a week earlier.
Schick had also scored in Leverkusen's midweek 5-0 demolition of Salzburg in the Champions League.
"Patrik is in a top moment," Alonso said.
"He not only scores, but does a lot of other things right, also against Union Berlin in an intense game against a tough defence. I am happy he is having this good feeling."
