Linz is back on Austria’s handball map! The traditional club went one better after reaching the semi-finals last season: after 27:25 in Krems, Linz defeated the champions in Kleinmünchen 31:30, is in the final for the first time in 20 years and can now even dream of the title.
“Finale, oh-oh” was already echoing at the end of the handball festival through the packed hall in Linz-Kleinmünchen with over 1000 fans. Before all dams finally broke at 7:46 p.m.! The Linz handball players had actually made it: The outsider, who had eliminated the champion of 2021 with Hard in the quarterfinals, also knocked out the reigning champion and regular season winner Krems in the semifinals: After the away 27:25, the regular season winner Seventh (!) the second leg 31:30, after Krems had come close in the finish.”Hexer” Bokesch outstanding in goal”But I never doubted us! It was an outstanding team performance with great coverage and a great goalkeeper,” beamed coach Milan Vunjak. Whose team started well, leading 6:3 thanks to six different goal scorers. After a manpower game, they fell behind for a short time (9:10/20th minute). But Alex Hermann and Co. quickly fought back and led 13:12 at the break. Before the show by “Witcher” Markus Bokesch reached its climax in the goal – he saved 18 (!) throws. Despite a partial 7-goal lead (28:21/52), it was still close for Linz in the end – but with a happy ending!Final opponents from Vienna”To be in the final with my home club is something very special, a dream” , said veteran Alex Hermann. How it is a dream for the entire traditional club! Does it mean for HC Linz, who almost relegated in 2019 and 2021, but the first final in 20 years. As early as Thursday evening, the Margareten Fivers could be the opponents of the Upper Austria sensational team in a victory over West Vienna – which can now even dream of their first championship title since 1996!
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