The defending Spanish champions, the 7-0 Badalona Dracs, Europe #15, will host the 8-1 Madrid Osos Rivas in the second semifinal of the 2018 Spanish League of American Football (LNFA) season, Sunday, May 20 at Campo Badalona Sud field in Barcelona, Spain.
The Dracs, winners of eight Spanish titles and the last two, have rolled through an undefeated season in Spain and lost only one game internationally, dropping a 23-10 decision to Italy’s Milano Seamen. Osos Rivas have looked almost as impressive in recording their 8-1 record. The only blemish was an early season 37-35 loss to the Las Rozas Black Demons. They atoned for that by beating the Black Demons 17-15 a month later.
The last time these two teams faced each other was in the 2015 Spanish semifinals when Badalona won 42-6.
To reach the semifinals, Osos Rivas had to come from behind to beat the Valencia Firebats 20-15 in the quarterfinals two weeks ago. Clint Greenaway scored a late touchdown for the win. The Dracs had an easier time of it, demolishing the Gijón Mariners 78-12.
Badalona ran through the Spanish regular season with relative ease scoring 279 points while giving up 35 in six games. In other words they have been in a class of their own. Sergi Gonzalo is among the passing leaders in Spain while Dracs wide receiver Brandon Ravenel is among the touchdown leaders.
The key to the Osos Rivas offense had been quarterback Gabe Losada and if he can play this game could be close. However, he was injured in the quarterfinal win and apparently is questionable for this game.