Vienna Vikings complete season sweep of Berlin Thunder, remain unbeaten at 6-0

The Vienna Vikings (6-0) continued their perfect run through the American Football League Europe season Sunday, rolling to a convincing 45-7 victory over the Berlin Thunder (2-4) to complete a season sweep and further cement their status as the league’s team to beat.

Behind another balanced offensive performance and a dominant defensive effort, the Vikings controlled the game from the opening quarter and never allowed Berlin to build any sustained momentum.

Fast start sets the tone

The Vikings wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.

Karri Pajarinen opened the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run before the Thunder answered immediately as Kai Hunter broke loose for a spectacular 67-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7.

That would prove to be the only highlight of the afternoon for the home side.

Johannes Schuetz restored the lead with a one-yard touchdown run, and a team safety soon after stretched the Vienna advantage to 15-7 before the opening quarter came to a close.

Vikings pull away

The second quarter belonged entirely to the visitors.

Albert Wiesigstrauch enjoyed an outstanding performance against his former team, scoring on touchdown runs of six and 20 yards as the Vikings steadily increased their lead.

Between those two scores, Ben Holmes connected with Bernhard Seikovits on an 18-yard touchdown pass as Vienna’s offense continued to move the ball with ease behind a dominant offensive line.

By halftime, the Vikings had built a commanding 35-7 advantage, leaving little doubt about the outcome.

Defense finishes the job

The Thunder struggled to find any offensive rhythm after Hunter’s long touchdown run.

Jakeb Sullivan completed 11 of 21 passes for 105 yards but was unable to lead another scoring drive as Berlin managed just over 100 passing yards on the afternoon. Niklas Schumm finished as Sullivan’s leading receiver with three catches for 37 yards.

Meanwhile, Holmes efficiently directed another explosive offensive performance, completing 21 of 29 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown. Pajarinen added 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries while Wiesigstrauch averaged more than 11 yards per carry during his two-touchdown outing.

Pajarinen added his second rushing touchdown early in the third quarter before Philipp Klar closed the scoring with a 23-yard field goal in the fourth.

Noel Swancar led the Vikings defense with six tackles, while Pablo de Diego recorded a game-high 15 tackles for the Thunder.

With the victory, Vienna remains unbeaten at 6-0, while Berlin falls to 2-4 after being swept by the league leaders for the second time this season.