Surge jump over Bravos to reach ELF Semi Finals

The first game of the 2025 ELF Playoffs is in the books. Stuttgart Surge defeated the Madrid Bravos convincingly to move on to the semifinal. 

Madrid Bravos (8-4) at Stuttgart Surge (10-2): 17-41

Despite Madrid traveling to Stuttgart with the league's second-ranked offense to face the Surge's top-ranked unit, it took 23 minutes before the first points went on the board. A field goal by kicker Alvaro Peñas put the visitors ahead. Stuttgart answered immediately with an excellent kickoff return from Daniel Pedro, completed by a touchdown run from homegrown running back Kai Hunter.

Up to that point, the game had been shaped by strong defensive play, but momentum shifted just before halftime. With 1:22 left in the second quarter, quarterback Reilly Hennessey kept the drive alive with a pass to Jordan Bouah. Moments later, he connected with Louis Geyer for a 57-yard touchdown. Stuttgart wasted no time in building on their lead. On Madrid's following drive, quarterback Reid Sinnett fumbled while being sacked, and just 22 seconds after Geyer's score, wide receiver Michael Harley Jr. found the end zone. What had been a balanced contest suddenly turned into a three-score advantage for Stuttgart, who led 21-3 at halftime.

Watch the Madrid Bravos at Stuttgart Surge highlights here!

After the break, Stuttgart extended their lead with a rushing touchdown from Hennessey. Early in the fourth quarter, the Surge special teams unit added another score, pushing the lead to 34-3. Madrid tried to fight back, relying on the season's productive duo of Sinnett and Cruickshank, closing the gap to 34-17. Madrid's push came too late, as Stuttgart secured a 41-17 victory.

Semifinal ahead 

With the loss, Madrid's season comes to an end. Stuttgart, meanwhile, moves on to the semifinal next weekend. On Sunday, Head Coach Jordan Neumann – who celebrated his birthday today – will lead the Surge against the Munich Ravens. The two teams met twice during the regular season, with both sides winning at home. Fans can look forward to another highly anticipated matchup with a place in the Championship Game on the line.

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