Madrid Bravos dominate Raiders Tirol in Playoff-Clinching South Division Rematch

| American Football | 07/27/2025

The Madrid Bravos (7-3) solidified their postseason bid with a commanding 54-28 victory over the Raiders Tirol (5-5) in a pivotal European League of Football South Division clash, avenging their Week 5 heartbreak and ending the Raiders’ playoff hopes.

Sinnett’s masterclass fuels first-half surge
Quarterback Reid Sinnett orchestrated a near-flawless offensive display, throwing for 363 yards and 5 touchdowns while rushing for another score. The Bravos stormed to a 20-0 first-quarter lead behind Sinnett’s two passing TDs and a 10-yard rushing score. However, Tirol rallied with three unanswered touchdowns, capped by Lukas Haslwanter’s 140-yard rushing effort, narrowing the gap to 23-20 at halftime.

Record-breaking Cruickshank, Seelig’s breakout seal victory
Receiver Aron Cruickshank etched his name in ELF history with a third-quarter touchdown catch, breaking the single-season TD receptions record (18). Rookie running back Justus Seelig stole the spotlight, amassing 148 rushing yards and 89 receiving yards with 2 touchdowns, exploiting Tirol’s exhausted defense. Madrid’s 597 total yards—including 239 on the ground—overwhelmed the Raiders, who managed just 170 passing yards despite QB Noah Perry’s two late TDs.

Defensive adjustments stifle Tirol’s rally
After allowing 20 second-quarter points, the Bravos tightened defensively, forcing two turnovers and limiting Tirol to 1-of-6 third-down conversions in the second half. Madrid’s offensive line dominated time of possession (37:49), enabling Sinnett to spread targets among nine receivers, including tight end Bernardo Escobar (56 yards, 1 TD).

Playoff implications
The Bravos’ 54-28 victory clinches a critical South Division win, improving their record to 7-3 and solidifying their postseason position. The Raiders Tirol (5-5), meanwhile, fall to .500 and face steep odds to qualify for the playoffs with two weeks remaining.

Key stats

  • Sinnett: 27/39, 363 YDS, 5 TD, 1 rush TD
  • Seelig: 16 CAR, 148 YDS; 8 REC, 89 YDS, 2 TD
  • Haslwanter: 19 CAR, 140 YDS, 1 TD
  • Cruickshank: 9 REC, 93 YDS, 1 TD (ELF-record 18th receiving TD)

The Bravos’ record-breaking offensive performance (597 total yards) positions them as a legitimate title threat, while the Raiders must regroup defensively after allowing 54 points.

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