On December 11, the Austrian Handball Cup’s second round will feature an exciting derby between Sportunion Leoben and BT Füchse, both missing key players due to injuries. The historic rivalry has intensified, with Leoben’s coach René Kramer formerly of Bruck. Leoben’s scorer Marek Kovacech hopes to return after surgery, while Raul Santos, sidelined for the season, will support his team from the stands. Fans can expect a thrilling match at Donawitz sports hall, starting at 7 PM.
Exciting Showdown in the Austrian Handball Cup
The second round of the Austrian Handball Cup is set to ignite on December 11, featuring a thrilling derby between Sportunion Leoben and the BT Füchse. Both teams face challenges as they will be without two pivotal players: Raul Santos from Bruck/Trofaiach, a former national team star, and Marek Kovacech, the top scorer for Leoben.
A Historic Rivalry Rekindled
The fierce rivalry between the handball clubs in Leoben and Bruck has evolved over the years, with René Kramer, a seasoned Bruck handball veteran, now serving as the head coach for Leoben—a scenario that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. Fans still reminisce about the intense April 2017 match when HC Bruck defeated Leoben in a nail-biting overtime, resulting in Leoben’s relegation to the second division.
Since that pivotal moment, Sportunion Leoben has been competing in the second league, known as the HLA Challenge, but has yet to achieve its promotion aspirations, both on the field and financially.
The BT Füchse, following their merger with Trofaiach, have made their mark in the highest Austrian handball league since their promotion in 2021 and currently sit atop the HLA Meisterliga standings. Under the guidance of coach Benjamin Teras, they are eager to maintain their momentum as they face Sportunion Leoben at the Donawitz sports hall on Wednesday, December 11, with the match kicking off at 7 PM.
Raul Santos, who began his handball journey in Leoben and joined the BT Füchse in 2022 after a decade in the German league, will miss this important derby due to a knee surgery that has ended his season. “That’s obviously tough, but I have to prioritize everything for rehabilitation,” Santos stated, expressing his disappointment at missing the chance to compete against his former team.
Despite his absence on the court, Santos plans to support his team from the stands. “A derby against Leoben is something special, for players and fans alike. I expect an exciting game where the spectators will get their money’s worth,” he commented.
With the Füchse in excellent form, Santos emphasizes the importance of not underestimating Leoben. “In our preseason friendly, we were down by three goals at halftime, but we managed to secure a victory,” he warned, showcasing his confidence in his teammates’ ability to perform well.
On the other side, Sportunion Leoben is also grappling with injuries as their star scorer Marek Kovacech has been sidelined for weeks due to a knee issue. After a successful operation, he is back in training and hopes to take the court for the cup match. “A derby against Bruck is always special. I have many friends there who are excited about this game,” Kovacech shared.
Expectations are high for a thrilling handball spectacle. Kovacech acknowledges the pressure is on the Füchse, adding, “The game starts at 0:0; if we stay close for 40 to 50 minutes, anything is possible.” Like Santos, he hopes for a packed house at the Donawitz sports hall, where both teams are determined to deliver an unforgettable experience for their fans.
Mark Your Calendars: Join the action at the ÖHB-Cup, 2nd round on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 PM, as Handball Sportunion Leoben takes on BT Füchse Handball Club Bruck Trofaiach at the Sports Hall Leoben-Donawitz!