The Rhein Fire defeated the Madrid Bravos in a game in which several consecutive errors at the end of the second quarter, both by the team and the referees, cost the Madrid team the game.
The Vallehermoso Stadium was dressed up to welcome the Rhein Fire. The Germans had surprisingly lost in the third week against the Madrid Bravos, who had made their intentions clear for this season, ending a long streak of undefeated games for the German team. Therefore, a great game was expected between two of the best teams in the league where it seemed difficult to bet on a winner. However, Rhein Fire seemed to make it clear from the beginning that things were going to be very different this time, sticking to a game plan that had yielded great results in their last two games against the Frankfurt Galaxy and the Paris Musketeers.
First Half
The initial drives were exchanged without success. Fire advanced slowly but steadily with their star running back Glen Toonga, although their passing attempts frustrated the offensive drive. The Bravos for their part, trusted in the running game with Dwayne Obi, but the Germans stopped the Madrid running back before he could pose a threat. After a first quarter in which both teams seemed to measure each other like boxers in a ring, the Germans struck first: Glen Toonga led the drive to score the first TD of the game. Rhein Fire's game plan not only allowed the Germans to advance (and score), but also control the tempo of the game, letting the clock run and shortening the playing time.
As the game approached the final three minutes of the second quarter it felt pretty close. However, a couple of controversial calls by the referees (a pass interference non call on a third down that gave the ball back to Rhein Fire, and a spectacular interception by Ja'len Embry that was overturned by a strict roughing the passer), quarterback Jadrian Clark returned onto the Bravos field and Sergej Kendus scored on a screen pass. With the game heading into halftime, a pass attempt from Steven Duncan was slightly deflected and fell into the hands of Remy Feltes, who practically left the ball in the end zone. Glen Toonga finished the next play to go to halftime with the score 0-20 for the Rhein Fire.
Second Half
Madrid's reaction was needed after the break, but the Bravos' attempts, with Duncan trying to advance under pressure, were in vain. The Fire scored again on the next drive, alternating between Toonga and Kendus so that the first finally scored his third touchdown of the night, putting 0-27 on the scoreboard. A "four and out" caused some timid whistles in the stands, but the truth is that the public cheered and enjoyed a party outside the gridiron. Poor field position and pressure from the Madrid defense gave Bravos their first two points thanks to a safety as Clark intentionally grounded from his endzone. After the safety, the ball returned to the Madrid team, but the expected reaction did not come. Two German sacks and a bad punt gave the ball to the Rhein Fire in a good field situation, and Jim Tomsula's team did not forgive, putting a 2-34 on the scoreboard.
Game Ending
With the game already decided, the best moments of the Madrid Bravos arrived, and the public jumped out of their seats to celebrate Raúl Cernuda's touchdown. Rhein Fire answered with a spectacular catch by Harlan Kwofie for a touchdown. The game ended with a brave Edu Molina scoring a rushing touchdown, with Madrid Bravos risking a fourth down again to improve the result, leaving the score at 15-40.
Head Coaches break it down
In the post-game, Rip Scherer expressed his frustration and made it clear that Rhein Fire had been far superior, while Tomsula confirmed that the game plan was to run with Glen Toonga and shorten the game. There is no doubt that everything went according to the plan. This result gives back Rhein Fire the first place in the Western Conference. The Germans will face the Cologne Centurions this weekend, while Bravos will play against Frankfurt Galaxy in Vallehermoso, with both teams needing a win to keep their hopes alive.
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