LIVESTREAM Austrian Wild Card: AFC Vienna Vikings @ Vienna Knights, July 4, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
The Vienna Knights and AFC Vienna Vikings meet Saturday in one of the most intriguing matchups of the Austrian Football League Wild Card round, with a semifinal berth on the line in the latest chapter of their city rivalry.
The expansion Knights have already exceeded expectations by finishing the regular season with a 7-3 record and earning the right to host a playoff game in their first AFL campaign. The Vikings, meanwhile, arrive with momentum after closing the regular season with a dramatic 20-19 victory over the Danube Dragons in the Charity Bowl.
Knights chasing another statement win
The Knights already own one victory over the Vikings this season, claiming a 21-14 win in the regular-season meeting. They secured home-field advantage with a 41-27 victory over the Fehérvár Enthroners, highlighted by a spectacular performance from Maximillion Fine.
Watch live. AFC Vienna Vikings @ Vienna Knights, July 4, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
Fine caught four touchdown passes from quarterback Chad Jeffries while also adding a two-point conversion. Mathias Lechner and Stefan Mayrhofer also reached the end zone as the Knights completed an impressive debut regular season.
Head coach Ivan Zivko believes his team has earned this opportunity and wants to continue playing the aggressive, emotional football that has fueled its success.
Vikings finding momentum
The Vikings head into the playoffs full of confidence after rallying past the Danube Dragons in one of the regular season’s most entertaining games.
Niklas Lechner caught two touchdown passes to help build a 17-0 halftime lead before Felix Schuster kicked the game-winning field goal after the Dragons briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter.
Head coach Benjamin Sobotka knows his team must improve on its performance in the first meeting, praising the Knights for their explosive offense, strong offensive line and disciplined defense.
The regular-season result gives the Knights confidence, but playoff football often tells a different story. With two familiar opponents meeting for a place in the semifinals, expect another tightly contested battle in one of the biggest games of the Austrian football season.
Watch live. AFC Vienna Vikings @ Vienna Knights, July 4, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)
