Vienna Vikings embrace road challenge in ELF championship clash

The Vienna Vikings face a crucial road test against the Stuttgart Surge in the 2025 European League of Football Championship Game on September 7 at Stuttgart’s MHP Arena, where a hostile crowd and high stakes await their bid for a second title.

Road challenge looms for Vikings
For the third time in four ELF seasons, the Vikings advance to the championship game, having won their 2022 debut on home soil in Klagenfurt, beating the Hamburg Sea Devils 27-15, and falling short in 2024 at Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena—losing 51-20 on the road to the Rhein Fire. This year, they confront a Stuttgart squad backed by a sellout crowd, with over 30,000 tickets already sold.

Calaycay confident in neutralizing crowd noise
Head Coach Chris Calaycay acknowledges the environment but remains unfazed: “There will be many Stuttgart fans, but we have supporters across Europe.” Emphasizing focus, he added, “Football is played between the white lines. We’re prepared for the noise, the halftime show, the stage.” The Vikings’ road resilience will be tested against Surge head coach Jordan Neuman’s disciplined squad, which aims to capitalize on home-field energy.

Legacy on the line
A Vikings victory would cement their status as ELF’s premier franchise, while Stuttgart seeks its maiden title in front of a roaring home crowd. With both teams battle-tested, the clash hinges on execution under pressure.

The Vikings aim to silence Stuttgart and complete their redemption arc, proving road adversity fuels their championship pedigree.