‘WIN AND IN’ TO KEEP RHEIN’S FIRE BURNING
Reigning European League of Football champions Rhein Fire know that their best route back to the playoffs is to win one more time — but it’s not that simple.
With three teams currently sitting at 7-4, plus the Frankfurt Galaxy having improved their outside chances of a postseason appearance, Rhein will need to be at their best to ensure that get a shot at a ‘three-peat’. Oh, and did anyone mention that they’re playing the 10-1 Nordic Storm, who won a nail-biter in Copenhagen five weeks ago?
That is the task facing the Fire and, with no alternative playoff seeding beyond a wildcard spot, the German giants know that they are likely facing the Storm in a last home game for 2025. But, while avenging the 25-24 defeat inflicted on them in Denmark would be enough to clinch a postseason berth, another defeat would leave the champions potentially facing the end of their reign.
Depending on the result of Saturday’s late game, which pits the Vienna Vikings against 7-4 Paris, Rhein might already know what they are playing for. If the Musketeers overcome the odds and win on the road, the Germans would definitely have to win to progress. Should both teams lose, however, Rhein would claim an advantage in the tie-break scenario. With the Musketeers facing the likely #1 seed, the Madrid Bravos are also in play, but can only continue their campaign if one or other of its 7-4 rivals triumph.
Rhein is undefeated in the three games since playing in Copenhagen, and their opponents this weekend are already safely in the playoffs. However, the Storm won’t be taking things lightly, as a win in Duisburg could mean a bye through the first round of the playoffs and home advantage in the semi-finals — even if they require a little help from both Paris and the Wroclaw Panthers.
“We’ve taken care of the things we needed to correct and adjust, and we’ve gotten better,” Rhein head coach Richard Kent noted. “We’ll continue on this path, but the boys are motivated — you can feel the energy in training. They’re fully committed and we’re getting a few players back from the injury list, which is a huge plus for us. It gives us new momentum, knowing we can still achieve a lot.”
The Fire know Nordic Storm well, as the visitors’ head coach John Schoop worked for Rhein last year and former Fire players Jadrian Clark and Max Parkinson, amongst others, will be guests enjoying the unparalleled support of the home fans on Sunday.
“It’s a very special atmosphere, unlike anywhere else,” Kent commented. “It gives us energy — and you could see that when we returned home after the away games. The players get an extra boost from the fans, and that’s an important factor in this game.”
The theme for matchday at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena is ‘All White’, with managing director Daniel Thywissen urging the passionate Fire supporters to create an intimidating air for their Scandinavian visitors.
“We would be delighted if as many spectators as possible came to the arena dressed in white,” Thywissen said. “Uniform colours in the stands and on the field will create an even more intense atmosphere.”