Wacker coach after penalty thriller: "Great promotion for Tyrolean football"

The "best" game of the season

Wacker did not specifically prepare for a penalty shootout.

"We don't explicitly train for it, but the players always have free time in training, and one or two penalties are taken then. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side today," Siller said.

Playmaker Adrian Lechl was also very satisfied with the performance, but at the same time disappointed. "Right after the match, it's bitter, of course. But we played a great game, if not the best this season," said the South Tyrolean.

The fans also played a decisive role in the strong performance of the second-division team. Over 16,000 fans, mostly cheering for the Innsbruck team, filled the almost sold-out Tivoli Stadium.

While Wacker seemed somewhat inhibited by the atmosphere in the Westderby against Austria Salzburg just a week and a half earlier, the club from the Tyrolean capital this time drew energy from the crowd.

"It was very special today. When you run out there, it brings out the last few percentages. We noticed that everyone was even more determined," says Lechl.

"Always wanted to play in front of such a crowd"

The young Tyrolean Max Köchl was also impressed by the atmosphere after the match.

"As a little 'boy', you always wanted to play in front of such a crowd here at Tivoli. When 16,000 fans are shouting down, it gives a lot of energy," says the 19-year-old defender.

Coach Siller looks ahead after the impressive atmosphere: "Everyone who was in the stadium today saw an outstanding football match with very high quality and very high intensity. Everyone is looking forward to the next big game. It was simply a great promotion for Tyrolean football."