NiP have Team Liquid to thank for its playoffs appearance.
Group D of the ESL Pro League Season 14 has come to an end and the Ninjas in Pyjamas barely made it through. Gambit, Team Liquid and NiP have now qualified to the playoffs from Group D.
The ESL Pro League Season 14 has the best teams in Counter-Strike Global offensive competing in an online format. With four groups of six teams each in the group stage, it was always going to be a tough competition for teams to move ahead to the playoffs. Only the top three teams from each group qualify for the playoffs. Here’s how Group D played out.
Team Liquid win and NiP is thankful
Gambit had a strong start to the Group stage with four consecutive wins. Before the start of the final day, Gambit had already secured its playoffs slot. But the real battle was in the middle of the pack, as FURIA, Team Liquid, NiP and others competed for the remaining two slots.
After a drubbing on the penultimate group stage day, one that saw Nicholas "guerri" Nogueira steal the show, NiP desperately needed a win. Not only did the team require a win in its match against Gambit, but its fate also relied on Team Liquid’s performance versus FURIA. After taking down the group toppers Gambit, 2-0, NiP’s players saw Team Liquid bring a phenomenal performance against FURIA.
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Team Liquid started strong against FURIA with a 16-4 score on Inferno. But the Brazilian squad bounced back in a dominant fashion on Nuke, helped by a crushing CT-side. Excellent coordination and quick rotations allowed FURIA to keep Team Liquid players in check, allowing little room.
The final map of Mirage saw FURIA reach 15-11, just one round away from defeating Team Liquid. It would also have meant an end to NiP’s playoffs dreams. But an excellent comeback by Team Liquid, powered by NAF, was responsible for Team Liquid bringing Mirage to overtime, where they secured the win. And the NiP social media guy heaved a sigh of relief.
Playoffs Looming ahead
After the final day, Gambit esports, Team Liquid and Ninas in Pyyjamas join the other teams in the playoffs. As the best team in Group D, Gambit has secured its spot in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Team Liquid and NiP will battle one more round in the Round of 12. NiP faces mousesports while Team Liquid will have to overcome the Fnatic obstacle.
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