LASK
Austrian football team.
LASK, short for Linzer Athletik-Sport-Klub, is a professional football club based in Linz, Austria. Founded in 1908, LASK is one of the oldest and most traditional clubs in Austrian football. The team plays its home matches at the Raiffeisen Arena, which has a capacity of 19,080 spectators. LASK's traditional colors are black and white, earning them the nickname "Die Schwarz-Weißen" (The Black and Whites).
Throughout its history, LASK has experienced both success and challenges. The club won its only Austrian Bundesliga title in 1965, a feat that remains the pinnacle of their domestic achievements. They have also claimed one Austrian Cup trophy in 1965, completing a historic double. Despite not winning major silverware in recent decades, LASK has established itself as a competitive force in Austrian football.
LASK's journey in European competitions has been marked by periods of absence and recent resurgence. After a long hiatus from continental football, the club made a triumphant return to the European stage in the 2019-20 season. They reached the Round of 16 in the UEFA Europa League, defeating notable opponents such as PSV Eindhoven and Sporting CP along the way. This run significantly raised LASK's profile in European football.
LASK has a dedicated fan base, primarily from Linz and the surrounding Upper Austria region. The club's main rivals are Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna, with matches against these teams being highly anticipated fixtures in the Austrian football calendar.
In recent years, LASK has experienced a remarkable resurgence. After gaining promotion to the Austrian Bundesliga in 2017, the club has consistently finished in the top positions of the league. Their second-place finish in the 2019-20 season was particularly impressive, showcasing their ability to compete with Austria's traditional powerhouses.
