Vienna Vikings outlast Nordic Storm in ELF Semifinal thriller
The Vienna Vikings advanced to their second straight European League of Football championship game with a 28-20 semifinal victory over the debut-season Nordic Storm, surviving a gritty battle marked by pivotal penalties and injury-defying performances.
Back-and-forth offensive surge
Both teams traded touchdowns on their opening drives, setting a physical tone. Vienna QB Ben Holmes (24/33, 260 yards, 3 TDs) connected with WR Yannick Mayr (4 receptions, 70 yards, 2 TDs) to counter Nordic’s early strikes. Storm QB Jadrian Clark (27/46, 316 yards, 3 TDs) rallied his team despite a knee injury sustained on a second-quarter sack, returning to toss a touchdown before halftime (14-14).
Photo: Hannes Jirgal
Defensive turning point
Vienna’s defense, led by DEs Lucky Ogbevoen and Aaron Donkor, harassed Clark throughout, limiting the Storm to 145 rushing yards. LB Clifton Duck’s 12 tackles anchored Nordic’s resistance, but a critical penalty sealed their fate. With three minutes left, a roughing-the-punter foul on DB Luke Glenna extended Vienna’s final drive, allowing Holmes to kneel out the clock.
Holmes’ poise prevails
Holmes’ precision in the third quarter widened the gap, including a 15-yard TD to Mayr and a 1-yard plunge by RB Karri Pajarinen (20 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD). Clark’s resilience shone with a late TD to WR Benjamin Beaulieu (6 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD), but Nordic’s 12 penalties for 115 yards proved insurmountable.
Championship stakes
Vienna now awaits the Stuttgart Surge–Munich Ravens semifinal winner in the September 7 title game at MHP Arena in Stuttgart. A potential “home” final for the Surge adds narrative weight, while the Vikings seek redemption after their 2024 championship loss.
Photo: Hannes Jirgal
Statistical dominance
Vienna edged total yards (381-375), dominated time of possession (34:27), and committed just three penalties. Nordic’s Clark outgunned Holmes through the air, but the Storm’s 25 rushing yards and defensive lapses underscored their inaugural season’s end.
The Vikings’ balanced attack and disciplined execution secured their third ELF final appearance, while the Storm’s valiant debut campaign concluded with a lesson in playoff poise.
