LIVESTREAM AFLE: Berlin Thunder @ Firenze Red Lions, June 6, 16:10 CET (4:10 pm, 10:10 am ET)

The Firenze Red Lions (0-1) return home looking for their first victory when they host Berlin Thunder (1-1) in an American Football League Europe showdown on Saturday.

While it is still early in the season, both teams have plenty to prove. The Red Lions are seeking a bounce-back performance after their league debut, while Berlin arrives with momentum from its first win but still searching for consistency. The result could provide an important boost as the AFLE season begins to take shape.

Different starts to the season

The Red Lions opened their inaugural season with a 30-8 loss to the Paris Lights, but the final score did not tell the whole story. Firenze jumped out to an early 8-0 lead after quarterback Matthew McKay scored on a one-yard run and connected with Devin Carter for the two-point conversion.

Watch live. Berlin Thunder @ Firenze Red Lions, June 6, 16:10 CET (4:10 pm, 10:10 am ET)

Defensively, Jakeen Harris helped set the tone early, and the Red Lions showed flashes of athleticism and toughness before the Paris offense settled into a rhythm. Aaron David finished with three catches for 70 yards, providing one of the offensive highlights of the afternoon.

Berlin’s first two games have painted a picture of a team still finding its identity. The season opened with a difficult 49-7 road loss to the Vienna Vikings, a game in which the offense struggled to establish consistency and Jakeb Sullivan was sacked six times. The response one week later was much more encouraging as Thunder defeated the Alpine Rams 24-14, showing significant improvement on both sides of the ball.

That victory offered a glimpse of what Berlin believes it can become. The offense was more balanced, the protection improved dramatically, and the team showed the ability to control the game for long stretches.

Sullivan leading the way

For Berlin, quarterback Jakeb Sullivan has been the clear bright spot through the first two games.

Sullivan has thrown for 547 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive passers. After being pressured heavily in the opener, the offense showed noticeable improvement in its second game. Sullivan threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns while distributing the ball to six different receivers, including Bais Kouanda and Niklas Schumm.

The running game also took a step forward. Kai Hunter and Tomiwa Oyewo helped Berlin improve from 44 rushing yards in Week 1 to 103 rushing yards in Week 2, giving the offense much-needed balance.

Discipline remains the key

Despite the offensive progress, penalties remain a major concern for Thunder.

Berlin committed 13 penalties for 118 yards in its opener and followed that with 16 penalties for 110 yards the following week. Those mistakes continue to create unnecessary challenges and could become even more costly against stronger opponents.

Opportunity for both teams

The Red Lions will be motivated to earn the first victory in franchise history in front of their home fans, while Berlin has an opportunity to build on last week’s progress and move above .500.

With a productive quarterback on one side and a hungry expansion team on the other, this matchup should provide an interesting early-season measuring stick for both clubs.

Watch live. Berlin Thunder @ Firenze Red Lions, June 6, 16:10 CET (4:10 pm, 10:10 am ET)