Team Liquid dominate MiBr 2-0 in the semifinals

The second semifinal of the day saw Team Liquid and MiBr compete against each other. Both the teams have had irregular results in the past. While their peak makes them look competent with Astralis, their lows definitely hurt them. Map 1: Cache sees Team Liquid dominate MiBr. The first map was Cache, a Team Liquid pick. Right from the start Team Liquid had complete control on the map. Their performance on the map was equivalent of a Tier 1 team versus a Tier 5 team. Their dominant CT half was fuelled by great awareness and shot-calling by NAF. They always seemed to be aware of MiBr’s plans. However, despite the strategical advantage, MiBr were just losing all aim duels.

The lack of form on the Brazilian team was very evident in some situations. There were would be numerous occasions when MiBr would not be able to get any opening kills. Liquid would open the round and then just fall back and wait for MiBr to make the mistakes. And Fallen and co. were making a lot of mistakes. As Spunj pointed out in the post-game analysis, MiBr was constantly putting their team under a lot of pressure. They were aiming to run down the close repeatedly but MiBr had a lot of grenades and use positioning to help them in such situations. One such round [ at 7-0] saw MiBr lose the round despite the entire A site being clear of any CT players. Team Liquid won the map [ Cache ] with ease. A 16-2 scoreline is not just a result, but a statement. Map 2: Liquid dominate Overpass as well.

Unfortunately for Mibr, the start to Overpass seemed to be a continuation of Cache. Team Liquid was able to rack up a score of 7-0 before they actually gave away rounds. MiBr managed to win three consecutive rounds before Team Liquid was forced to eco. And then NAF wins the round with a stolen AK47. MiBr was totally devasted after this round. NAF’s individual play which saw him win the round with just an AK and no armour or grenades was the highlight of this map.

MiBr started their comeback after winning the pistol and the subsequent round. But for MiBr, they needed to be able to get all the upcoming rounds. This would never happen and Team Liquid won the series.

With this, Team Liquid sets up yet another Grand final appearance. They face off against Astralis the Grand Finals.