Vienna’s Home Debut: Vikings target 2-0 start as Fehérvár seeks redemption

The Vienna Vikings (1-0) host the Fehérvár Enthroners (0-1) at Naturarena Hohe Warte in a Week 2 European League of Football matchup, with the Vikings aiming to build on a dominant opener and the Enthroners desperate to rebound from a heavy loss.

Vienna’s commanding start
The Vikings opened their 2025 campaign with a clinical 28-6 road win over the Prague Lions, showcasing balanced offense and stifling defense. Quarterback Ben Holmes steered an efficient attack, with receivers Noah Toure and Reece Horn scoring early touchdowns. Yannick Mayr emerged as Holmes’ top target, leading in receptions and yards, while running back Karri Pajarinen added two rushing scores. Defensively, the unit led by linemen Laalo, Swancar, and Ogbevoen limited the Lions to one score, displaying the poise that propelled Vienna to the 2024 ELF final.

Fehérvár’s uphill battle
The Enthroners struggled in a 55-12 Week 1 defeat to the Wroclaw Panthers, with quarterback Brock Domann hampered by four sacks, poor weather, and inconsistent offensive line play. While Domann showed flashes of resilience, the defense faltered against the Panthers’ high-powered attack, exposing coverage gaps and tackling issues. Fehérvár’s path to competitiveness hinges on tightening protection for Domann and reducing explosive plays allowed.

Key matchup: Vienna’s trenches vs. Fehérvár’s protection
The Vikings’ defensive front, which overwhelmed Prague, will test the Enthroners’ beleaguered offensive line. If Domann faces constant pressure, Fehérvár’s offense risks stagnation. Conversely, Vienna’s balanced attack—Pajarinen’s ground game paired with Holmes’ distribution—could exploit the Enthroners’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Outlook: Vienna’s momentum meets Fehérvár’s resolve
The Vikings, fueled by home-field energy and Week 1 confidence, enter as clear favorites. However, the Enthroners’ urgency to avoid an 0-2 hole could spark early resistance. Expect Vienna’s defensive discipline and offensive versatility to prevail, but Fehérvár’s improvements in protection and red-zone execution might narrow the margin compared to their Week 1 collapse.

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