"That's football”: Thrilling ELF matches were decided late

What a start to the fifth season of the European league of Football is behind us! The first matchday had great matchups and many highlights in store. In addition to touchdown shows, there were exciting matchups that were only decided shortly before the end.

Hamburg Sea Devils defense shines against Madrid Bravos

One of these was the clash between the Hamburg Sea Devils and Madrid Bravos, which ended 12:13. In the Spanish capital, it was above all the defensive players who shone. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Kicthens told “firstdownmag”: "Everybody thought our defense gonna be bad, but we had proved a lot of people. We surprised a lot of people today."

The Sea Devils' defense allowed only 13 points against a star-loaded Bravos team. Bravos head coach Andrew Weidinger expressed his frustration on the Spanish  "8 Costuras Podcast": "We expected them to come out and play hard. It shouldn't have been quite as close as it was, but that's our own fault. That's my fault." 

Bravos head coach is struggling with missed chances against Sea Devils

The missed chances in particular annoyed the experienced coach: "We got to just practice and get better because we had our opportunities. We didn't capitalize on them." Quarterback Reid Sinnet had his star receiver Aron Cruickshank open several times, including for touchdowns, but narrowly missed. Another touchdown was taken away from the duo by a penalty. Both played a good game, but could have crowned their performance and given their head coach a more relaxed evening.

Weidinger praises his defense, but sees huge potential for improvement in the offense. The next chance to prove themselves comes in Week 2, again at home in the Estadio Vallehermoso against Frankfurt Galaxy, who are coming off a clear defeat against Stuttgart Surge.

©Henning Rohlfs

Two blocked field goals decide Sea Devils at Bravos

The Sea Devils' offense also had to struggle with a good opposing defense. However, the end of the game was particularly bitter. Sea Devils Kicker Eric Schlomm had victory on his feed shortly before the end. It would have been the fourth win in the fifth season opening game. But Schlomm showed nerves.

His kick hit the left post. The Hamburg Sea Devils lose, celebrations for the Madrid Bravos. Or were they? A yellow flag put the brakes on the Spaniards' euphoria. The field goal had to be retaken due to a false start penalty. Another try for Schlomm, but he also failed to score the second game-winning field goal.

Watch the Sea Devils at Bravos highlights here!

Sea Devils head coach Rowland looking forward to more

Despite the disappointment, Lee Rowland takes positives from his first game as Head Coach of the Hamburg Sea Devils: "I'm very proud of the boys. They showed that they can play football despite last week's setbacks. Of course, there are things we still need to work on, but we showed today who we are and what we stand for. It was a game that was decided by just one point - that's football."

Wide receiver Jean-Claude Madin Cerezo, who still wore the Bravos' jersey in the 2024 season, feels the same way: "We acted like a family, you could feel that on the field. The potential in this team is huge. Now it's time to keep working hard and grow as a unit."

Raiders let game against Ravens slip away in last quarter

The game between Raiders Tirol and Munich Ravens was also decided shortly before the end. In the end, the Ravens recorded a 20:7 victory. The Raiders were still leading 7:6 until the fourth quarter, but two late touchdowns by the Ravens decided the game.

Raiders safety Vincent Müller said reflectively after the game: "A lot of mistakes, a lot of lack of concentration. We beat ourselves today. They are a good team, but we shot ourselves in the foot. In the end, you lose 20:7, despite the big plays. You lose and win together."

 

Now the focus is completely on the game in week 2 against the Helvetic Mercenaries. "Not the start we had in mind. But we have a tough week of training ahead of us so that we can get our first win next week at homecoming," says wide receiver Philipp Haun.

Watch the Raiders at Ravens highlights here!

Musketeers narrowly failed to beat champions Rhein Fire

Meanwhile, the current ELF champions Rhein Fire won by just two points against the Paris Musketeers. The French side could also have secured victory in the final quarter. But the Rhein Fire defense had other plans. First, they averted an almost certain field goal with two sacks and good tackling. Fire's star defender Flamur Simon then robbed them of their last chance to win with a late-game interception.

 

The Paris Musketeers face Stuttgart Surge in week 2, who showed good form with a clear win against Frankfurt Galaxy. Rhein Fire will have a bye week.

Watch the Rhein Fire at Musketeers highlights here!