Team Liquid Crumbles against OG
The day one playoff of The Berlin Major had a huge upset. The series between OG versus Team Liquid was supposed to be a close match, and many predicted that Liquid would prevail.
Team Liquid had struggled during the early days of the group stages at The Berlin Major, but they managed to pull it together and snatch themselves a comfortable upper-bracket spot for the playoffs. However, in reality, OG, with their standin' completely flexed over Team Liquid and prevailed, taking the series 2-1.
Game 1
Game 1 was an absolute stomp by Liquid. Their perfect draft enables them to win the laning stage. After the laning stage ended, Liquid successfully transitioned its advantage into the mid-game. Playing aggressively, Liquid picked OG heroes off the map one by one and secured objectives. Even though OG tried their best to get back into the game, it wasn’t enough. Eventually, at 39 minutes, Team Liquid closed out Game 1.
Game 2
OG hits back hard in game 2. Although Liquid won the laning stage, OG’s Alchemist draft was superior. As Liquid pressured OG’s Alchemist at midlane, OG pressured the team safelane hard carry Phantom Lancer. With their Alchemist coming online, OG played aggressively, picking Liquid heroes off the map. However, they tried to hold onto the game by split-pushing the map and going on OG’s heroes far from the team. OG figured out Team Liquid's shenanigans and forced a high-ground defence. A crucial mistake by Team Liquid’s hard carry Phantom Lancer seals Team Liquid’s fate for game 2 as OG closed it out 37 minutes.
Game 3
Both teams went the distance in game 3. Liquid stole OG’s Alchemist. However, the team had different plans for the hero. Picking Muerta as the safelane hard carry, Liquid’s Alchemist was a space creator. The game was close until the 29 minutes mark when OG successfully outlasted a team fight initiated by Team Liquid, wiping Liquid heroes off the map. As the game progressed, OG found itself on a solid footing in the game. Eventually, at 35 minutes, Team Liquid tapped out of game 3, giving the series to OG.
Due to this loss, Liquid is now in the lower brackets, a step away from elimination. Their next series is against Xtreme Gaming. With their back against the wall, every match is crucial for their survival in The Berlin Major.