The drought that haunted the city of Linz for more than six decades ended in a flurry of extra-time drama on Friday, May 1, 2026. In a match that mirrored the chaotic energy of its manager, the LASK secured the ÖFB-Cup title, marking the club’s first major trophy in 61 years.
The victory cements a remarkable professional streak for head coach Dietmar &Didi
Kühbauer. By leading LASK to glory just one year after winning the same competition with Wolfsberger AC (WAC) in 2025, Kühbauer has earned the moniker Double Didi
. He becomes the first manager since Vaclav Halama in 1982 to win the Austrian Cup with two different clubs in consecutive seasons.
A Thriller in Klagenfurt
The final, held at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, was far from a procession for the favorites. LASK found themselves in an early struggle against a resilient SCR Altach side that refused to be intimidated. Altach took the lead early in the match, with Patrick Greil scoring in the 5th minute to silence the Linzer contingent.
The match evolved into a high-tension battle, with Altach leading twice during regulation time. After a grueling 90 minutes that ended in a 2-2 deadlock, the game pushed into extra time. It was in this final period that LASK’s superior conditioning and depth finally broke through. George Bello provided the breakthrough in the 101st minute, followed shortly by Samuel Adeniran, who scored the match-winning goal in the 103rd minute to seal the title.
From Crisis to Cup Glory
The triumph is particularly poignant given the state of the club when Kühbauer returned to the helm. Appointed on October 9, 2025, on a contract running through summer 2027, Kühbauer inherited a squad that was struggling significantly in the Admiral Bundesliga.
“As I came here, the team was lying on the ground,” Dietmar Kühbauer, LASK Head Coach
Kühbauer’s arrival sparked an immediate cultural and tactical shift. He took a team that he described during a post-match press conference as having been im Oasch daham
(in a terrible state) six months prior and propelled them to 2nd place in the league standings. The turnaround was characterized by Kühbauer’s trademark passion and directness, blending tactical discipline with a psychological liberation of the players.
LASK CEO Siegmund Gruber expressed profound gratitude for the transformation, noting the symbiotic relationship that developed between the squad and the coach.
“One can simply say ‘thank you’ to ‘Didi’ for what he has established here with this team. The team needs the coach and the coach needs the team. Here we have been able to create a real symbiosis.” Siegmund Gruber, LASK CEO
The Human Element of ‘Double Didi’
At 55, Kühbauer is no longer the Enfant Terrible
of his playing days with SK Rapid in the 1990s. While he remains a polarizing figure—known for his expressive gestures and outspoken nature—those inside the LASK camp describe a manager who has matured without losing his edge. Co-trainer Maximilian Ritscher highlighted the emotional intelligence Kühbauer brings to the dressing room.
“The ‘Didi’ is an incredible coach and — even more importantly — an incredible human being. He manages to bring all the different characters together on a common denominator.” Maximilian Ritscher, LASK Co-Trainer
This human connection was evident in the celebrations following the final whistle. Despite his attempts to avoid it, Kühbauer was greeted with a traditional beer shower from his players, a gesture he later admitted he didn’t seek to run away from anymore
.
Historical Context: 61 Years of Waiting
For the LASK faithful, the victory is a liberation. The club had not tasted a major trophy since its historic Double in 1965. For over six decades, the club had remained a competitive force in Austrian football but had failed to cross the finish line in a major competition.
The 2026 victory not only ends that drought but establishes LASK as a dominant power in the current era. Under Kühbauer, the club has transitioned from a sleeping giant
to a team capable of challenging the established order of the Bundesliga.
The Final Hurdle: The Bundesliga Title
While the Cup victory provides immediate celebration, the objective for Kühbauer and LASK remains incomplete. The club currently sits in 2nd place in the Bundesliga, trailing the reigning champions, SK Sturm Graz.
The momentum from the Cup win is expected to fuel the final stretch of the league season. Having already proven they can win on the biggest stage in Klagenfurt, LASK now looks to secure a domestic Double of their own, potentially mirroring the 1965 achievement that started the 61-year wait.
Next Checkpoint: LASK will return to league action to continue their pursuit of the Bundesliga title, with the final standings expected to be decided in the coming weeks.
Do you think Didi Kühbauer can complete the Double and dethrone Sturm Graz? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
