Vienna Vikings edge Rhein Fire in defensive ELF championship rematch

The Vienna Vikings (3-0) avenged their 2024 European League of Football title-game loss with a gritty 12-7 victory over defending champion Rhein Fire (1-1) in front of over 10,000 spectators at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf, surviving a late rally to remain undefeated.

Ground game thrives despite Pajarinen’s absence
With star running back Karri Pajarinen sidelined, backup Johannes Schütz stepped up, grinding out 92 rushing yards on 19 carries to anchor the Vikings’ offense. Rookie Noah Touré opened scoring with a first-quarter 20 yard touchdown reception, though missed kicks (0/2 FG) left points untapped.

Defensive slugfest fuels tension
The physical clash saw both teams combine for eight penalties (35 yards for Vienna, 55 for Rhein Fire), with frequent stoppages and confrontations. Vienna’s secondary stifled Fire’s aerial attack, limiting QB Chad Jeffries (224 passing yards, 1 TD) to one explosive play—a 68-yard connection with Rory Starkey Jr. (152 receiving yards, 1 TD). Jeffries added 65 rushing yards but found few passing lanes under relentless pressure.

Critical stands define second half
Rhein Fire’s hopes surged after intercepting Vienna QB Ben Holmes (153 passing yards, 1 TD) late in the fourth, but the Vikings’ defense stonewalled a goal-line drive, forcing a turnover on downs. Jeffries’ final fourth-down heave into the end zone sailed incomplete with 32 seconds left, sealing Vienna’s win. Linebacker Alexander Watholowitsch (6 tackles, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups) anchored a unit that held the Fire to 1-of-3 red-zone efficiency.

Postgame reactions
Watholowitsch, who missed the 2024 final, called the win “a great feeling,” emphasizing redemption. The Vikings handed Rhein Fire its first loss in 358 days, showcasing resilience despite 305 total yards allowed. The Fire, meanwhile, must regroup after failing to establish a run game (51 team rushing yards) or contain Vienna’s defensive surges.

Road ahead
The Vikings return home to Austria with momentum, while the Rhein Fire face urgent adjustments ahead of Week 3. Both teams remain playoff contenders, but Vienna’s ability to win ugly—on the road, against the champs—signals their title-caliber grit.