Historic ÖFB Cup final: WAC meets Hartberg in Wörthersee!

Historic ÖFB Cup final: WAC meets Hartberg in Wörthersee!

On May 1, 2025, a historic event will take place in the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt: the final of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup between RZ Pellets WAC and TSV Egger Glas Hartberg. Both teams have managed to reach the cup final for the first time in their club history and there will be a new title holder. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., while stadium entry begins at 3:30 p.m. The fan village will open its doors from 2:00 p.m., where numerous supporters of the two teams are expected, especially from Hartberg, whose fan base has announced a strong contingent of over 5,000 people. The game will be officiated by FIFA referee Walter Altmann.

The WAC has had a remarkable run in the current championship and is currently in third place in the Bundesliga. In their last meeting they defeated FC Red Bull Salzburg 2-1. For Hartberg, second in the qualifying group, the final is another historic chance to win a title, while the last national trophy since 2013 has always been won by RB Salzburg or SK Sturm.

The impressive paths to the final

The WAC has had an impressive path to the final, which includes wins against the following teams:

• ASV Draßburg (A) – 7:0
• SV Wallern (A) – 2:0
• SK Austria Klagenfurt (H) – 11:10 nach Elfmeterschießen
• Schwarz-Weiß Bregenz (H) – 3:1
• LASK (A) – 5:3 nach Elfmeterschießen

TSV Hartberg, also with an impressive record, has successfully played the following games:

• SK Bischofshofen (A) – 11:1
• SV Lafnitz (A) – 6:0
• SC Austria Lustenau (A) – 3:0
• SV Stripfing (A) – 2:0 nach Verlängerung
• FK Austria Wien (A) – 1:0

Before the big game

The coaches of both teams are aware of the importance of this final. Dietmar Kühbauer, WAC coach, emphasized how important this game is for the club. His counterpart, Manfred Schmid von Hartberg, described the encounter as the biggest in the club's history and emphasized the need for efficiency and avoiding mistakes. He has also called a press conference together with captain Tobias Kainz, which will take place on April 30, 2025.

A trophy weighing 12 kg and 70 cm high will be awarded for the final. The game will also be broadcast live on ORF 1, which provides additional excitement and emotions. The historical record between WAC and Hartberg is 48 games, of which Hartberg won 16 and WAC 18, while 13 games ended in a draw.

Both teams have high hopes for FC players, as WAC's top goalscorer in the Cup is Thierno Ballo, while Hartberg relies on the attacking duo Donis Avdijaj and Patrik Mijic. With 17,000 tickets already sold and a stadium capacity of 30,000 spectators, a great atmosphere is expected.

For Hartberg, this final could not only be another step in the club's history, but also the opportunity to bring the title to Styria for the third time in a row. On the other hand, Carinthia has not produced a cup winner since 2001. Let us look forward to this exciting final with great excitement, which will enrich Austria's football history.

Further information about the ÖFB Cup can be found on the Wikipedia page.

For more details about Hartberg's participation in the ÖFB Cup you can visit TSV Hartberg Fußball.

Additional information about the WAC and the upcoming final can be found at Klick Kärnten.