"We took control today" - Surge’s Defense shines in title win
Florian Puth
© Jonas WickerStuttgart Surge have made history. With a 24-17 victory over the Vienna Vikings in the 2025 European League of Football Championship Game, they not only claimed their first title but also triumphed in front of their home crowd at the MHP Arena. This was a first in the league’s young history. 36,800 fans witnessed a final that was defined above all by the physical dominance of the Surge defense.
Eight sacks, numerous quarterback hits, and an unwavering team spirit made the difference. Robert Lachmann stood out with three sacks, laying the foundation for the club’s greatest success. Defensive End Berend Grube summed it up after the game in an interview with ProSieben: “We play for each other, not as egoists; that made the difference.”
Watch the Championship Game highlights here!
Key to victory: Relentless pressure on the Vikings
From the very start, the Surge put the Vikings’ offense under pressure. Quarterback Ben Holmes rarely found the time he needed, as the Stuttgart defensive line appeared like an impenetrable wall. They sacked him five times in the first half alone – a statement that disrupted the opponent’s rhythm.
“From the playoffs onward, we played our best football,” Grube explained. “Especially on defense, we knew we were performing at the peak of our potential.” This belief in their own strength was evident in every moment of the final
Brenner’s and Pastorino's defensive master pays off
A key architect of this achievement was Defensive Coordinator Johannes Brenner, who designed the defensive strategy together with Cody Pastorino. “All the work paid off. The guys took control today,” Brenner said. “It feels even better when you’ve had to work so hard for it.”
The Surge defense had already proven its strength in the playoffs, shutting down two of the league’s most potent offenses, Madrid Bravos and Munich Ravens – a preview of what was to come in the final.
Team spirit as a decisive factor
While individual brilliance shone through, it was clear that the title was a collective achievement. “Coach Neuman wants players like this in the team. That’s why we are here,” Grube emphasized, highlighting the role of Head Coach Jordan Neuman, who has driven Stuttgart’s transformation since 2022.
For Grube personally, it was also a special moment. After two finals losses with the Hamburg Sea Devils and a season in Tirol, the title in Stuttgart closed a chapter of his journey. “I’m just celebrating my journey over the last five years in the ELF,” he said, visibly moved.
