The main roles have been assigned! After an exciting "casting" in the Semifinals, the Vienna Vikings and defending champions Rhein Fire have qualified for the Championship Game 2024 on September 22 (Kickoff: 3.30 pm) in the VELTINS Arena of the traditional soccer club FC Schalke 04. This means that a two-time champion will be crowned in Gelsenkirchen; the Austrians already lifted the ELF trophy in 2022.

"The two best teams of the season are in the final, the game is completely open, there is no favorite. I expect a close duel at a high level, the form of the day will probably be decisive - and who has their nerves better under control in front of a large crowd. The Vikings are unbeaten this year, Rhein Fire have only suffered one defeat. It's going to be a hot affair,” says Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the continental league.

Vikings will face Rhein Fire in the Championship Game

On Saturday, quarterback Ben Holmes led the Vikings to victory over the Paris Musketeers with six touchdowns (five passes, one run). In front of 11,000 spectators in Vienna's Generali-Arena, including US Ambassador Victoria Kennedy, Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and tennis pro Dominic Thiem, the Vikings were the dominant team right from the start. In an offensive spectacle, they won comfortably in the end by 47:31 (21:6).

One day later, Rhein Fire snatched second place in the final. However, quarterback Jadrian Clark and Co. had to tremble for a long time, as Stuttgart Surge was initially the better team and led into the final quarter. With a field goal just seconds before the end of the regular time, last year's winners saved themselves in overtime - and went on to win 29:23.

"It will be the record game in the history of the ELF"

"Respect to Surge, they played a fantastic game. It was really tough, but we stayed calm. Jadrian Clark was a fantastic leader, he's getting better every day since he's been with us. Now we'll do everything we can to win the trophy again. But it will be a tough task, the Vikings are playing an outstanding season. We will be well prepared. It goes on and on," says Jim Tomsula, Head Coach of Rhein Fire.

"The Semifinals were already sensational, two exciting games with a great atmosphere - and we will top that once again in the VELTINS Arena in Gelsenkirchen. More than 35,000 tickets have already been sold, it will be the record game in the history of the ELF and a football party that nobody who loves this sport should miss. It will be a highlight in the history of Football in Europe,” says Zeljko Karajica, Managing Director of the European League of Football.

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