The Raiders Tirol (4–2) host the Vienna Vikings (4–1) at Tivoli Stadium in a high-stakes European League of Football showdown, renewing Austria’s fiercest rivalry with playoff positioning and pride on the line.
Historic rivalry renewed
This marks the eighth “Battle for Austria” and the second meeting in 2025, following Vienna’s dominant 41–7 Week 4 victory. The Vikings hold a 7–0 all-time ELF series edge, but head coach Chris Calaycay remains cautious: “The cards are reshuffled every Gameday. We need focus and physicality.” Raiders linebacker Precious Ogbevoen echoed urgency: “We’re not the same team as last time. We’re improving daily.”
Brotherly duel takes center stage
The game features siblings Lucky Ogbevoen (Vienna’s defensive back) and Precious Ogbevoen (Raiders’ linebacker) on opposing sidelines. “It’s special to play against my brother at this level,” said Lucky, though both prioritize team success over personal stakes. Precious added: “The only goal I care about is to win.” Lighthearted teasing underscores their competitive bond, with Lucky planning family time postgame.
Vikings aim to extend dominance
Vienna, coming off a narrow 26–33 loss to Rhein Fire, seeks to rebound and solidify their #2 playoff seed. Their defense, which stifled Raiders to seven points in the first meeting, faces renewed pressure from Tirol’s evolving offense. Calaycay stressed lessons learned from the Fire defeat: “We’ve dissected that game thoroughly.”
Raiders’ playoff push intensifies
Currently holding the #6 seed, Raiders Tirol must upset Vienna to strengthen their wild-card bid. A home win at Tivoli Stadium would mark a franchise turning point, leveraging their 3–1 home record against Vienna’s road resilience (2–1).
Playoff implications heat up
With six ELF teams vying for postseason spots, both squads recognize the stakes. Vienna eyes a top-two semifinal bye, while Raiders aim to fend off Madrid, Rhein, and Prague (all 3–2) in the wild-card race.
Kickoff at Tivoli Stadium on Sunday (16:25 CET) promises physicality, rivalry, and a potential turning point in Austria’s football hierarchy.