Rhein Fire faces Paris again - "It’s going to be even tougher"

Just three weeks after their dramatic Week 1 clash, Rhein Fire and the Paris Musketeers meet again - this time in Duisburg. Back then, Paris earned a narrow 17–15 win at home. Since then, the Musketeers have shown both strength and vulnerability, beating the Stuttgart Surge before losing a close battle against the Frankfurt Galaxy.

Respect for Paris and lessons learned

Rhein Fire enters the matchup after a tough loss to the Vienna Vikings but feels ready to respond. Wide receiver coach Mario Schulz praised the upcoming opponent and emphasized the need for improvement: "It’s going to be even tougher. Paris is a very well-coached team. We all want to see exciting games, and now we just have to make one more point – then everything is fine", he said.

The team used the past training week to address mistakes and refocus. "The loss hurt. But you grow from your mistakes. If you work hard, you will sometimes make errors. Now we are on point – and we will perform", Schulz promised confidently.

Watch the highlights of Vikings at Fire here!

NFL experience on the sideline

One of the standout names in this matchup is Paris head coach Jack Del Rio. The former NFL head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders brings top-level experience to the ELF. Under his leadership, Paris continues to build a reputation as one of Europe’s most disciplined and physical teams.

Their roster also includes familiar talent. French wide receiver Anthony Mahoungou, a 2023 ELF champion with Rhein Fire, now lines up against his former team in what will surely be a personal highlight.

North Division implications

Rhein Fire currently holds a 1–1 record and sits second in the ELF North Division standings. A win this weekend would help them keep pace with the undefeated Nordic Storm, who have a bye in Week 4.

For both teams, this game offers more than just revenge or redemption - it’s a chance to solidify their position early in the season and send a message to the rest of the league.

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