林茨LASK

Founded in 1908 as Linzer Athletik-Sport-Klub, LASK is the oldest football club in Upper Austria and a cornerstone of the city of Linz's sporting identity. The club's early years were marked by regional success, but it was in the post-war era that LASK established itself as a national force. Their first major triumph came with the Austrian championship in 1965, a historic achievement that remains a pinnacle in the club's history. This success was followed by an Austrian Cup victory in 1967. The club's home is the modern Raiffeisen Arena, a state-of-the-art stadium opened in 2023 with a capacity of around 19,000. This venue replaced the iconic Linzer Stadion, which had been their home for decades and was famous for its atmospheric "Linzer Stadionfest" – a record-breaking fan choreography event. LASK's identity is deeply intertwined with Linz, an industrial city on the Danube, and the club proudly represents the working-class roots of the region. On the pitch, LASK has traditionally been associated with an attacking, passionate style of play. The club's recent resurgence has been particularly notable. After financial difficulties and a reset in the lower leagues in the early 2010s, LASK has returned to the Austrian Bundesliga with a vengeance, consistently challenging for European qualification spots. Their impressive run to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 in the 2019/20 season, where they faced Manchester United, signaled their return to the continental stage. Legendary figures include Hans Krankl, the prolific striker who later managed the club, and the influential midfielder Christian Stöger. The club's fan culture is vibrant and loyal, with supporters known for creating an intense atmosphere. A major rivalry exists with Austria Wien, fueled by historical competition and contrasting identities. Currently, LASK is a stable force in the Austrian Bundesliga, aiming to build on its modern success while honoring its rich, century-long history as a pioneer of football in Upper Austria.