LIVESTREAM Swiss Bowl XL: Calanda Broncos vs Bern Grizzlies, July 11, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)

The undefeated Bern Grizzlies and defending champion Calanda Broncos meet in Swiss Bowl XL after both teams turned in convincing semifinal victories, setting the stage for a championship matchup featuring the league’s top defense against its highest-scoring offense.

The Grizzlies won all 10 regular season games and advanced to the title game with a 30-14 semifinal win over the Basel Gladiators, while the Broncos defeated the Winterthur Warriors 35-14. Bern also enters the title game with confidence after handing Calanda a 24-17 loss during the regular season.

Bern brings balance

The Grizzlies enter Swiss Bowl XL with the league’s stingiest defense, allowing just under 11 points per game during the regular season. But Bern has been dangerous offensively as well, averaging 38.6 points a game behind veteran quarterback Aaron Ellis.

Ellis has battled through injuries late in the season, but his toughness has never been in question. When healthy enough to be on the field, he remains one of the most experienced quarterbacks in European football. He is surrounded by a talented supporting cast that includes running backs Ibony Mbungu and Silas Nacita, along with reliable receiver Dario Hess. Defensively, linebacker Andreas Buri leads a unit that has frustrated opponents all season.

Watch live. Swiss Bowl XL: Calanda Broncos vs Bern Grizzlies, July 11, 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am ET)

Broncos built for big games

The defending champions counter with the league’s highest-scoring offense, averaging 40 points per game. Quarterback Robin Sennrich directs the attack, Tommy Smith gives the Broncos a home-run threat at wide receiver, and Noah Bachofen adds balance in the running game.

The defense has been just as impressive when facing elite competition. Calanda held Thonon to just seven points in the CEFL championship game and limited the high-powered Warsaw Eagles to only 10 points, proving the Broncos can win with defense as well as offense.

Linebacker Cole Brockwell is the leader of that unit, while defensive back Ola Gaarden provides playmaking ability in the secondary and defensive lineman Christer Berg anchors the front. Together, they give Calanda a defense capable of matching the production of its explosive offense.

Championship matchup

That sets up one of the best Swiss Bowl matchups in recent memory. Bern enters with the league’s top defense and an offense averaging nearly 39 points per game, while Calanda counters with the highest-scoring offense and a defense that has repeatedly shut down elite opponents. The regular-season meeting went to the Grizzlies, but with a championship on the line, both teams have more than enough talent to write a different ending.