The AFC Vienna Vikings (3-1) narrowly defeated the Danube Dragons (3-1) 13-7 in a tense Austrian Football League showdown on Friday, April 25, at Vienna’s home venue, leveraging a last-minute touchdown to snap the Dragons’ unbeaten streak.
Defensive battle dominates early
With Danube Dragons star quarterback Alexander Reischl sidelined by a concussion, backup Lukas Schramm struggled against the Vikings’ league-best defense, which has conceded just 14 points all season. Vienna struck first as quarterback Aaron Ellis connected with wide receiver Dennis Markovic-Juric on a 40-yard highlight-reel catch, setting up running back Kevin Wojta’s 1-yard TD plunge. Kicker Kevin Voznyak’s PAT made it 7-0, a score that held through halftime despite the Dragons’ opportunities. A botched Vikings punt snap gifted Schramm prime field position, but defensive end Michael Schachermayr missed a 42-yard field goal, typifying the first-half offensive grind.
Photo: @photographyjanoch
Turnovers define second half
The Dragons’ woes deepened in the third quarter as Schramm threw his second interception to linebacker Philipp Pennekamp, while Vikings quarterback Ellis was picked off by defensive back Julian Meidl. Both defenses dominated, with the Dragons failing to record a first down until late in the fourth quarter.
Dramatic finale
Vienna nearly extended their lead early in the fourth, but Voznyak’s 37-yard field goal ricocheted off the crossbar. Schramm finally ignited the Dragons, scrambling 34 yards for a TD to tie the game at 7-7 with 6:00 remaining. The Vikings responded decisively: a methodical drive capped by running back Matthias Moser’s 15-yard game-winning TD run with 53 seconds left. Though the PAT was blocked, defensive back Markus Bernas sealed the win with a clinching interception.
Postgame reactions
“Taking the Dragons’ offense out of the game like that was from another planet,” said Vikings head coach Benjamin Sobotka, praising his defense. “Our O-line didn’t give up a single sack. This team’s collective grit is special.”
Moser, whose TD capped his 89-yard rushing night, called the moment “an absolute dream.”
Standings implications
The Vikings now tie the Dragons at 3-1, but take over 1st place in the standings. For the Dragons, Schramm’s 107 passing yards and 53 rushing yards underscored their Reischl-dependent limitations.
This defensive masterclass reaffirms Vienna’s title credentials while leaving the Dragons searching for answers ahead of their Week 5 clash.