The 2000-01 campaign delivered a memorable European adventure for Kaiserslautern as Die roten Teufel finished 8th in the Bundesliga, but the season's true glory was their spectacular run to the UEFA Cup semi-finals. This deep run provided an unforgettable high point, despite being eliminated by Deportivo Alavés. The attack was led by the emerging young talent Miroslav Klose and the robust Czech forward Vratislav Lokvenc, who each scored 9 league goals, marking a vital season in which Klose would make his debut for the German national team.