Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl has said that his side has been a "sleeping giant", but hopes that they have awoken with the Champions League final on the horizon.

Kehl said that there have been some tough times since he joined in 2001, but that Dortmund have the ability to be one of Europe's biggest teams.

"The term sleeping giant fits quite well," Kehl told UEFA.com. "We have gone through difficult times. I have always believed there is incredible power in this club to show our financial and football strengths.

"Of course the past three years have been a surprise. There have been remarkable performances within the shortest space of time. BVB have it in them to become the second big beacon in Germany.

"I and the team believe, of course, that we can beat Bayern. We were not beaten in either game against them in the Bundesliga. That shows that our way of playing can hurt Munich. Their respect will be very, very big as well."

The Champions League final takes place in Wembley on May 25.