Liverpool legend John Toshack believes it is Alaves' "destiny" to win the UEFA Cup tomorrow night in Dortmund and cap off a fairytale season at the expense of his former club.
The Basque side have beaten the likes of Inter Milan and Kaiserslautern in their surprise march to a first European final.
Toshack, now coach at Real Sociedad, won two UEFA Cup winner's medals - in addition to three championships and the FA Cup - during his glittering career at Anfield in the 70s.
But he said: "I don't think that Alaves are going to fail now that they are only 90 minutes away from the title.
"They are going to have to play well, but I have the feeling that they are going to be champions.
"They have had one of the best seasons in their history." PA