The Tirol Raiders (2-6) host the AFC Vienna Vikings (5-3) at Tivoli Stadium in Innsbruck on Saturday, June 14, as the Raiders cling to slim playoff hopes while the Vikings chase home-field advantage in the Austrian Football League’s second last regular-season weekend.
Raiders’ last stand
Mathematically alive but needing two wins and external results to advance, the Raiders aim to channel pride and potential. Head coach Dominik Bauer stressed urgency: “We need to win both games… It’s the Raiders destiny that the decisive game is against the Vikings. We want to reach our full potential.”
Vikings seek momentum
The Vikings, stung by a narrow loss to the Danube Dragons, aim to rebound. Coach Benjamin Sobotka praised the Raiders’ preparation but emphasized focus: “We want to… give us a good feeling heading into the playoffs. We’re highly motivated… [to] show we can still play football.”
Key stakes
Vienna’s playoff seeding hinges on securing a road win, while Tirol battles for dignity and a miraculous postseason path. With both teams emphasizing physicality and execution, this clash epitomizes the AFL’s late-season drama.
