Thanks to “witcher” Florian Kaiper: HC Linz is in the final for the second time in a row

The handball players of HC Linz AG are in the final for the Austrian title for the second year in a row: The seven-time champions (last in 1997) beat the Fivers Margareten at home on Tuesday with 32:30 (14:15) and thus decided the “Best of 3” semi-final series 2-0 for themselves.

In front of a sold-out crowd, the Linz team only got into the game slowly, also because the Vienna defensive line seemed better adjusted than last Saturday (35:30 for Linz).

It took until the 21st minute on Tuesday before Elias Derdak gave the hosts the lead for the first time (11:10). But this required the appropriate support: Florian Kaiper seemed to be really warmed up from the middle of the first half, parrying throw after throw. In the end, the national team goalkeeper should have saved twelve shots (around 27 percent).

With chants, the audience celebrated the 28-year-old, who had to undergo knee surgery almost 100 days ago. “It was a great fighting performance from our team,” said the goalkeeper.

Flawless Elias Derdak

However, the momentum shifted back to the guests’ side around the break. The Viennese also got off to a better start in the second half. National team player Eric Damböck in particular knew how to get the ball past Kaiper quite well. The left wing was the guests’ best scorer with 7 goals. The Fivers pulled away to 23:19 (40th).

The time out taken by Linz coach Milan Vunjak did not initially bring about the desired turnaround. “Keep calm” was the Slovenian’s motto, and it paid off. His players turned the game around in the finish. Led by top scorer Mislav Grgic (9 goals) and the flawless Derdak (7 goals from 7 shots), the home team moved past the Viennese. Moritz Bachmann set the final point with his goal to make it 32:30.

In the final two years in a row? “That’s no coincidence,” Kaiper cheered.

Krems equalized against Hard

In the second semi-final series, however, a playoff is necessary. Krems defeated primary round winner Hard yesterday at home with 31:30 (16:13/1:1 in the “Best of 3”).

Among the Lower Austrians, Tine Gartner (6 goals), an ex-Linzer player, was one of the best. The finalist from the duel will be determined on Friday in Hard, which ÖHB team boss Ales Pajovic described as the “anticipated final”.

But it wouldn’t be the first favorite that Linz, who were only eighth in the regular round, tripped up in the play-offs. “We don’t care who comes now,” said captain Christian Kislinger, who is ending his career after this season.