Despite the league's efforts; for marketing reasons, to call the match between the two Spanish franchises “El Clásico”, a term that is tough to apply to the first match between two teams; one of which has yet to play its’ first live game. What cannot be denied after Saturday's game is that a new rivalry has been born.
This is clear from the atmosphere that surrounded the match days prior to its celebration. Even throughout the off-season, in which Madrid Bravos announced many of the players who had previously played for Barcelona Dragons. From the statements of the players themselves and, above all, the intensity celebrating the victory and lamenting the defeat.
Despite this, the game was played clean and without incidents, a credit to two disciplined teams and proof of the professionalism of players who gave their all in the arena and fought until the end against former colleagues.
MADRID STRIKES FIRST
The game, beyond what had previously surrounded it, did not have that much significance on the field. Madrid Bravos struck first, moving the chains with ease with a balanced and versatile game. The American quarterback from the Vienna Vikings, Chris Helbig (358 passing yards, 4 TDs), led the Madrid franchise with a firm hand towards the redzone and the British running back D'Wayne Obi scored the first TD in the history of Madrid Bravos.
The stadium, in which two thousand spectators had gathered (a record attendance for an ELF match in Spain), went crazy with the start of their new team.
Dragons' response was expected, but it did not arrive. Levi Lewis couldn't play comfortably at any point in the game. The powerful Madrid front seven easily penetrated the Dragons' offensive wall and forced Lewis to move. It is an art that the Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback masters successfully. His shots in motion are just as precise as those that Chris Helbig could have, who on the other hand, did enjoy the time necessary to stay in the pocket, well defended by an OL in which Carlos Carrasco is a cornerstone, and in which highlighted a newly incorporated Jonas Hugerup.
DRAGONS STRUGGLED
The biggest problem Lewis faced this time is that the Bravos secondary is at an extraordinary level. Andy Vera, Ja'len Embry (who we saw paired on many occasions with Iván Iordanov), and the safeties duo formed by former Dragons Luke Glenna, had an interception in the redzone, and an electric Pablo Araya, who played a game at the level of any of the league's outstanding American safeties, made things hard for the Dragons' passing game. Imoni Donadelle appeared with a one hand catch that made the fans in the stands rise and cheer. The young and talented receiver Aaron David finally appeared, proving to be the best option. But the Madrid secondary ended up prevailing, also supported by a linebacker corps that flew to their zones in coverage. Spectacular work by linebacker Javier Carrasco blanketing the field sideline to sideline topped off with the pressure from the DL that, despite being a choral show, saw Diego Paz stand out.
Tight End Raúl Cernuda runs through Dragons secondary. Credits Jorge Ropero
BRAVOS DOMINATED THE GAME
Andy Vera warned about Bravos special teams days ago. Avoiding any danger in the kickoffs, under the premise of taking them out and not allowing Donadelle to run the ball, and perfect in the extra points. The special teams excelled during the game. Andy himself returned a punt after a teammate's fumble for a TD, having a memorable performance.
And while the defense nullified Dragons and the special teams put in a magnificent performance, the Bravos’ jam kept a constant pace and prevailed on the field.
Meanwhile, the Bravos offense prevailed on the field, firmly led by Chris Helbig. Willie Patterson showed everyone why he is considered one of the best receivers in the league (176 yards, 1 TD), Mario Flores (62 yards, 2 TD), Jean Claude Madine-Cerezo (52 yards), Raúl Cernuda (35 yards )… too many threats for a defense which was stretched to thin, and which was also forced to lower the LBs to stop the running game. Cesare Brugnani put talent and heart into each tackle. Alex Posito closed the second level (Dwayne Obi ran the first four-five yards with excessive ease). Lautaro Frecha came down to the line of scrimmage fast, honoring his last name. But it wasn't enough. Once again the passes to the holes in the defense did a lot of damage, and the DL did not seem able to threaten Helbig in a sustained manner, beyond some specific performance by Derrick Broomfield, and Munashe Nunurai. Cornerbacks Dominic Shelton and Khalid Adisa suffered from their pairings, and in the stands there were those who missed Jordi Brugnani at CB, a position in which he has made a name for himself in the ELF.
NO SECOND HALF REACTION
At half-time the score was 36:6 for the local team, a result that confirmed what we were watching on the field.
The expected changes did not come after the break. Or at least, they did not have the effect they had a week ago, when the Dragons defeated the Helvetic Mercenaries. Levi Lewis tried to put the team on his back and advanced yards by tucking and running against a defense that subjected him to constant surveillance and punishment. The quarterback put heart and soul into it, so the Dragons managed to score in a good running drive by Charlemagne Take. But it was a mirage. Subsequently, the Barcelona team would reach the end zone again, returning empty-handed after four run attempts well blocked by the Madrid defense.
The game would not have much more. Bravos ended with Adrián Meléndez under center in the debut of the young Spanish QB in the ELF.
NEXT WEEK
In their first matchup, the Madrid Bravos were too much for the Barcelona Dragons, placing very high expectations on the Madrid franchise, which visits the current champions (Rhein Fire) this week.
Dragons, for their part, receive the Tirol Raiders in their debut in front of their fans, a scenario in which the Barcelona team usually gives their best, pushed by their passionate fans.
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