Final of the ÖFB Cup: Hartberg against WAC - A spectacle on Lake Wörthersee!

Final of the ÖFB Cup: Hartberg against WAC - A spectacle on Lake Wörthersee!

On May 1, 2025 at 5 p.m. the final of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup between TSV Hartberg and Wolfsberger AC (WAC) will be played in the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt. Both teams reach the final of this prestigious tournament for the first time in history. Anticipation for the clash is growing as the teams prepare after an exciting season.

Last weekend was all about discussions about the upcoming final. Andy Ogris, former player and three-time cup winner, invited editors-in-chief of LAOLA1, Harald Prantl and Peter Rietzler, to a get-together. Ogris, who lost to FC Red Bull Salzburg in the final as Vienna Austria coach in 2015, predicts an exciting game, possibly with another penalty shootout after extra time.

Statistical insights and interesting facts

This cup season, Hartberg has only conceded one goal, while WAC has conceded four goals in its previous games. Hartberg had a record of one win and one defeat against WAC in previous Bundesliga duels, with both teams playing exciting games. WAC have scored an impressive 15 goals in their five cup games this season, all of which were away from home.

• Erfolge & Strukturen der Finalisten:
• Hartberg erzielte in der laufenden Cup-Saison 23 Treffer.
• Thierno Ballo ist mit drei Toren der treffsicherste Spieler des WAC im Cup.
• WAC-Coach Dietmar Kühbauer war 1995 Cupsieger mit Rapid Wien, während Hartberg-Coach Manfred Schmid selbst dreimal als Spieler den Titel gewann.

An interesting aspect is that the winner of the final will receive a bonus of 120,000 euros and will share in the game's revenue. The trophy itself weighs about 12 kilograms, is 70 cm high and 43 cm in diameter. This has been awarded since its last revision in 2019 and is one of the most impressive awards in Austrian football.

Historical context and significance of the ÖFB Cup

The ÖFB Cup, which is now in its 107th season, is one of the oldest football competitions in Austria. The first official event took place on February 23, 1919. 64 teams take part in the competition, which is organized according to the knockout system. While the competition's sponsors and popularity have fluctuated over the years, it remains a central part of Austrian football, in part because it offers participants the chance to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

With an interesting history and the meeting of two previously inexperienced finalists, expectations are high. On May 1st, everyone interested can look forward to a thrilling 90 minutes plus possible extra time to see who will secure the title of 2025 ÖFB Cup winner.

LAOLA1 reports on the preparations and the assessments of the experts. The Small newspaper provides interesting statistics and historical context as we navigate the Wikipedia page You can find further information about the ÖFB Cup.