Dragons triumph in Vienna's derby: 17:14 against the Vikings!

Dragons triumph in Vienna's derby: 17:14 against the Vikings!

On Father's Day, June 9, 2025, there was a highly awaited second leg between the Danube Dragons and the Vienna Vikings in Vienna. The game that took place in the Danube field began with a delay of one and a half hours due to the continued rain. The Vikings won the coin Toss and decided to choose the offense for the second half. In the first half, both teams showed a strong defensive performance, so it was 0-0 at half time.

But then, in the 10:50 minute of the second quarter, Moritz Riedinger (#13) made the first touchdown of the Vikings, which she turned to 0: 7 with an extra point. Shortly before half -time, however, the Vikings pinch and no longer let the dragons on the ball. In the second half, the dragons show that they used the cabin better: they initially achieve a field goal and shorten to 3: 7. In the 32nd minute of the third quarter, Bernhard Ruscher (#17) succeeds in the touchdown for the 10: 7 lead for the dragons.

tension until the end

In the fourth quarter, the dragons further increased the pressure. Lukas Schramm (#18) Scorte 3:14 minutes before the end the next touchdown and set the score to 17: 7. But the Vikings did not give up: Benjamin players (#80) shortened one and a half minutes before the end to 17:14. Ultimately, the dragons decided to skillfully use the remaining time and win the game with 17:14. With this victory they returned for the 13:24 defeat in the first Viennese seasonal derby and strengthened their second place in the table.

Fred Armstrong, Head Coach of the Dragons, praised the adjustments in the defense and offense as well as the support of the fans. He emphasized his team's calm playing style in the second half. On the other hand, Benjamin Sobotka, head coach of the Vikings, commented on the challenges that had resulted from several injury -related failures. Eight starting players, including quarterbacks Nico Hrouda and Michael Szabo, were missing, and the team not only had to improvise strategically, but also in terms of personnel.

The effects of injuries in the American Football

The felt drama of the game was reinforced by the topic of health risks in American football. Scientific studies show that hard heads can lead to serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, depression and dementia, often years after the end of the career. This makes it clear that the sporting spectacle goes far beyond the square. Dealing with injuries must be continuously monitored to ensure the safety of the players. Especially in American football, a sport that is considered particularly risky among players, the topic of health is of great importance.

The Vikings ended the regular season in fourth place and have to compete against Prague in the playoffs. The dragons, on the other hand, are happy about the home advantage in the semi -final, where they will meet Thalheim Graz Giants. The history of the Viennese derbies is remarkable: from 2011 to 2023 the two teams faced 25 times, with the Vikings with 22 wins.

While the Dragons initiated the first victory against the Vikings this season, the hope for an exciting and safe playoff phase in American football remains hope for everyone involved.