The Nordic Storm and Rhein Fire collide in a win-or-go-home European League of Football Wild Card clash at Gladsaxe Stadium in Copenhagen, marking their third meeting of 2025 and first postseason chapter in a budding rivalry. After splitting regular-season games, including Fire’s 23-20 Week 14 win, both teams face amplified stakes in Sunday’s elimination duel.
Rivalry intensified by offseason shifts
The matchup carries added weight due to high-profile offseason moves. Former Rhein Fire stars Jadrian Clark (QB), Max Parkinson (WR), and Emmanuel Falola (LB) now anchor the Storm’s roster under head coach John Shoop, who previously served as Fire’s quarterbacks coach. The Storm also signed running back Glen Toonga, a Fire legend, but his season ended abruptly due to injury in Week 1. This reunion amplifies tensions, with Nordic seeking validation as playoff contenders and the Fire defending their legacy under new leadership.
Fire’s midseason resurgence meets Storm’s debut dominance
Nordic dominated early in their inaugural season, remaining unbeaten until Week 11 behind Clark’s league-leading 28 touchdowns. Rhein, meanwhile, stumbled initially after losing offensive coordinator Andrew Weidinger to the Madrid Bravos and revamping their scheme under assistant coach Fred Armstrong and playcaller Rohat Dagdelen. Quarterback Chad Jeffries found rhythm late, guiding the Fire to four consecutive wins, including their pivotal Week 14 upset.
Rhein Fire at Nordic Storm in the European League of Football (ELF) at Gladsaxe Stadion, Copenhagen, Denmark, July 13, 2025.
Photo by Mikkel Bo Rasmussen / 1st Down Photo (@1stdownphoto)
Defensive adjustments to decide rematch
Rhein’s defense, which limited Nordic to one touchdown in their last meeting, must replicate their red-zone resilience. Edge rusher Destiny Idiahi emphasized containing the Storm’s ground game after allowing a 17-play, nine-minute scoring drive in Week 14. Nordic’s front seven, led by Falola, aims to disrupt Jeffries after recording five sacks in their first matchup.
Crowd dynamics and penalty pressure
Home-field advantage shifts to Copenhagen, where Nordic’s fans aim to replicate Rhein’s disruptive Week 14 crowd impact—a factor that drew 12 penalties for 80 yards against the Storm. Approximately 200 traveling Fire supporters and cheerleaders will counter, testing Nordic’s composure in high-stakes moments.
Key matchup: Clark vs. Rhein’s secondary
Clark’s playoff experience (2023 ELF MVP with the Fire) contrasts with Jeffries’ rising form. Rhein’s secondary, which intercepted Clark twice in Week 14, must limit deep threats like Parkinson. Nordic’s revamped line must neutralize Fire’s pass rush (38 regular-season sacks) to sustain drives.
Outlook and stakes
A Storm victory would cement their meteoric rise and advance their championship bid. The Fire, eyeing a third straight title game appearance, relies on Jeffries’ poise and defensive stops. With pride, legacy, and progression on the line, Sunday’s showdown epitomizes playoff intensity—a testament to the ELF’s growing competitive depth. Kickoff is set for 15:00 CET at Gladsaxe Stadium.