Semi-final match in the ELF culminates in an extraordinary display of football dreams:
The Stuttgart Surge emerged victorious in the 2025 ELF final, defeating the Munich Ravens 27-13 at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart on September 7.
The Surge started the game confidently, with quarterback Hennessey and receiver Harley Jr. leading the charge. Harley Jr. caused problems for the Munich Ravens' defense, scoring the first touchdown of the game to give Stuttgart a 7-0 lead.
The Ravens struggled to get opportunities as the Surge's defense applied constant pressure. Running back Albert Wiesigstrauch and quarterback Hennessey gradually moved the Surge closer to the Ravens' end zone, with Wiesigstrauch eventually running into the Ravens' half.
The first half ended with the Surge leading 14-7, but the Ravens won the rematch this year, having defeated Stuttgart in the ELF semifinals. However, the home advantage seemed to favour the Surge, who were playing at the Hachinger Sportpark.
In the second half, the Surge's offense continued to perform well, with wide receiver Louis Geyer making a big play, catching a pass near the Stuttgart 45-yard line. The "Two Minute Warning" was called during the second half with the Surge within the Munich Ravens' ten-yard line.
Running back Kai Hunter was stopped by the Munich defense, but Stuttgart Surge quarterback scored a touchdown, making the score 27-13. The Ravens' offense continued to struggle, and they were forced to punt the ball with little room, with the Surge already in the middle of the Munich half.
The game should now be over with 2 minutes and 34 seconds left. The Surge ran the clock with runs on the field, and the Ravens had one timeout and the "Two Minute Warning" left. The Surge's defense almost brought down Ravens quarterback Russell Tabor in the Munich end zone, which would have meant the first two points for the Surge.
The atmosphere at the Hachinger Sportpark was excellent, with the home fans being loud. The Surge had 30 minutes left in the second half to improve their score, and they managed to hold on to their lead, securing the championship with a final score of 27-13.
The record of previous encounters speaks for the Stuttgart Surge, with four wins out of six South German derbies. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, and they will advance to the final on September 7, where they will look to defend their title.
