Champions League: Clara's return to Salzburg

The draw for the Champions Hockey League (CHL) on Monday resulted in some very interesting quarter-final pairings. Damian Clara will play with Färjestad BK against his training club.

02 December 2024

From: leo/apa

Damian Clara had a tough time at the Swedish top club last month. After inconsistent performances, he had to give way to number 1 Maxime Lagace seven times in a row. On Thursday, the 19-year-old got his next chance - and he took it. In the 4:2 win against the Malmö Redhawks, he shone with a save percentage of 92,86 percent. This means that the South Tyrolean's chances of getting a chance in the CHL are not bad.

That would be a special evening for the goalie, as Färjestad will be visiting Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday at 18 p.m. The 2-meter giant trained with the Bulls and played there for three years before moving to Sweden. The return match in Karlstad is scheduled for December 17 (19 p.m.). In the semifinals in January, the winner of the match between Sparta Prague and the Växjö Lakers awaits the promoted team.

Raffl optimistic

Salzburg, who are in the quarter-finals of the European premier class for only the second time in the club's history, are the clear underdogs. Färjestad marched through the main round of the Champions League without losing a game. In the round of 2, however, the ten-time Swedish champions Tappara knocked Tampere out of the competition in extra time. Salzburg played much more confidently against the Lahti Pelicans, who also play in Finland's league (1:5, 0:XNUMX).

Veteran Thomas Raffl is confident that he can meet his opponents on equal terms. "I have great confidence in our team. We can always step it up a notch when it comes down to it," said the national player before Salzburg's first ever match with Färjestad. His team knows what it needs. "That is, to perform as a team, be fully present from the start in terms of skating and to take advantage of opportunities." So Färjestad will have to brace itself - with or without Clara.