“They will not sleep this week”

For Rhein Fire, the most important part of the season has arrived. On Sunday at 15:00 CET, the team will travel to Copenhagen to face Nordic Storm in the Wild Card Round of the European League of Football playoffs. Remarkably, it will be the second meeting between the two teams within a single week. Only the winner will keep the dream of reaching the Championship Game in Stuttgart alive, while the loser’s season will come to an end.

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Dagdelen expects a strong response

After Rhein Fire’s victory over Nordic Storm last Sunday in Duisburg, Offensive Coordinator Rohat Dagdelen is preparing for an equally intense clash in Denmark. "I know the defeat last weekend did not pass by them without leaving a mark," Dagdelen said. "They will not sleep this week and will come up with something against us."

Still, the focus remains on his own squad: "We will not approach this with arrogance," Dagdelen stressed. "If we play four quarters of concentrated football, then we will win."

Lessons learned from Duisburg

Head Coach Richard Kent and his staff have carefully analyzed the game in Duisburg and identified areas to improve. Edge rusher Destiny Idiahi knows what must change: "We cannot allow them another drive of 17 plays lasting more than nine and a half minutes that ends in a touchdown."

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The fan factor

One of the decisive factors in Duisburg was the incredible atmosphere created by Rhein Fire’s home crowd. In the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, the fans generated noise and pressure that led to 12 penalties for 80 yards against Nordic Storm. The players acknowledged how crucial this support was for the win.

In Copenhagen, the environment will be different, but Fire will not be alone. Around 200 German fans are expected to travel north, joined by the Pyromaniacs Cheerleaders, ensuring that Fire has support even on the road.

Defensive lineman Justus Sleimann expressed the team’s appreciation: "Our fans will bring the heat. They are there, and we will also be fully there."

All or nothing

With both teams now facing a true elimination game, every drive and every play will matter. Rhein Fire looks to build on last week’s success, while Nordic Storm hopes to turn the tables at home. One thing is certain: Sunday’s game in Gladsaxe Stadium promises playoff intensity at its very best.

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