Raiders Tirol edge Madrid Bravos in thrilling ELF shootout
The Raiders Tirol (3-2) outlasted the Madrid Bravos (3-2) 35-34 in a back-and-forth thriller at Tivoli Stadium, securing a pivotal European League of Football victory with a decisive defensive stop on a late two-point conversion.
Raiders’ balanced offense prevails
Quarterback N’Kosi Perry delivered under pressure, completing 16 of 27 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding turnovers. The ground game anchored the attack, with running back Lukas Haslwanter bulldozing for 128 rushing yards and one score on 21 carries. Receiver Jacorey Sullivan provided explosiveness, hauling in four receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. The Raiders’ 403 total yards (187 rushing, 216 passing) underscored their offensive versatility.
Sinnett-Cruickshank duo dominates
Madrid quarterback Reid Sinnett torched the Raiders’ secondary, completing 24 of 37 passes for 254 yards and five touchdowns. Receiver Aron Cruickshank dominated with 11 catches for 146 yards and three scores, while adding 32 rushing yards. The Bravos’ offense thrived in critical moments, converting eight third downs and erasing a 14-point third-quarter deficit.
Defensive stand seals victory
Trailing 35-28 with 16 seconds left, Sinnett connected with Cruickshank for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 35-34. Madrid opted for a game-winning two-point conversion, but the Raiders’ defense swarmed Sinnett to deny the attempt. The stop capped a game defined by momentum swings, including three lead changes in the second half.
Penalties prove costly
Madrid’s eight penalties for 88 yards stifled drives, while the Raiders’ disciplined play (three penalties for 25 yards) kept them in favorable down-and-distance situations. The Bravos’ rushing attack managed just 88 yards, forcing Sinnett into 37 pass attempts.
What’s next
The Raiders (3-2) travel to face the Helvetic Mercenaries in Week 6, aiming to build on their offensive rhythm. Madrid (3-2) enters a bye week before hosting the Hamburg Sea Devils, needing to address red-zone defense after allowing touchdowns on all five Raiders’ scoring drives.
Key Stats:
- Total Yards: Raiders 403, Bravos 342
- Third Downs: Raiders 8/14, Bravos 8/13
- Sinnett: 5 TD passes (tied for 2025 ELF single-game high)
- Cruickshank: 178 all-purpose yards, 3 TDs
The Raiders’ resilience in high-leverage moments keeps their playoff hopes alive, while Madrid’s late-game gamble reflects their confidence in a star-powered passing attack.
