Complexity defeat Virtus.Pro to start IEM Cologne campaign

After a three-map series, Complexity has taken down Virtus.Pro to start their IEM Cologne group stage run. The North American side was thoroughly in control across the series, barely losing a map in Overtime before stomping out VP to close the series.

Here is the map veto for the series between Complexity and Virtus.Pro at IEM Cologne.

Complexity in CS2 has built a trio that can go toe to toe with the best teams. At the head of that trio is Elige, the legendary Liquid player still carrying the American flag. And this match was a perfect example of what an unleashed Elige can do. A solitary win came for Virtus.Pro in the pistol round, but after that it was all Complexity to kick off IEM Cologne. Even when VP took an advantage, the coL players had the confidence to win the round off individual skill, like grim did in this 1v3.

A 9-3 half, was followed up by a Complexity pistol conversion to lock in match point. Two consolidation rounds were all VP could muster as Elige’s 17 frags locked in the map win.

The tables turned early on Dust2, with Complexity picking up the pistol and VP taking the forcebuy wins to build an early lead. Grim’s survival streak may have continued, but VP found themselves with a 5-2 lead. Elige was back at it holding the line at B, even picking up the second AWP to take the lead 7-5.

Pistol round saw Virtus.Pro lean towards the B site, but coL’s A take gave them an easy site to hold. Electronic put in some incredible multifrags, including a 4k on the A defence, to bring VP level. The Russian side finally took the lead for the first time in the series. Everyone started pulling their weight on the CT side.

In round 21, coL found themselves holding down CT spawn. VP peaked them from A, allowing the American squad to take their 11th round. This sent VP into a timeout. Whatever Xoma said in the timeout couldn’t turn the tides. CoL managed to lock match point with an A take. But Virtus.Pro weren't giving up easily, and the team managed to push the match to Overtime. Complexity finally got that elusive 13th, but Virtus.Pro was in control in OT as they took the Dust2 win.

After the thrilling end to Dust2, Anubis was back to business from the NA side. VP once again had the pistol win, but Elige and floppy responded with back to back clutches to start coL's CT run. With hallzerk's AWP in control, Complexity put together a 8-4 half to move within inches of the win at half time.

When the sides switched, Virtus.Pro could muster no defence. The JT-led side ran rampant across the map and closed out a 13-5 win to take the series win.

Complexity now moves into the Upper bracket at IEM Cologne after the win over Virtus.Pro. The NA side will face the winner of MOUZ vs Falcons to battle for a playoffs berth. Meanwhile Virtus.Pro drop to the lower bracket and will await the loser of that match to decide their fate in the tournament.

Featured Image via Viola Schuldner and ESL

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