Liquid qualify for the ESL Pro League S21 playoffs after knocking 3DMAX out of the tournament
Liquid has secured a place in the ESL Pro League Season 21 playoffs by defeating 3DMAX with a 2-1 score. This result allowed the North American team to finish the group stage with a 3-2 record, which guaranteed them a place in the next stage. 3DMAX , who had a chance to qualify for the playoffs, failed to beat their opponent and leave the tournament with a final score of 2-3.
The course of the match
First map - Inferno (13-11, Liquid)
The match started on Inferno, which was the peak of 3DMAX . The French team started confidently, winning the pistol round and securing the advantage in the first draws. However, Liquid quickly leveled the game, and the first half ended 7-5. After switching sides, 3DMAX managed to get closer to their opponent, but in the decisive rounds, Liquid demonstrated an individual advantage and closed the map 13-11. ultimate became the MVP of this map, finishing the match with 20 frags, ADR 98 and a rating of 7.8.
Second map - Ancient (13-6, 3DMAX )
On Ancient , 3DMAX took control of the game. They perfectly implemented their tactical plans, dominating most positions. Liquid lost many important duels, which led to a quick 13-6 victory for 3DMAX . The best player on the map was Ex3rcice , who recorded 25 frags, ADR 136 and a rating of 9.1.
Third map - Anubis (13-4, Liquid)
The decisive map of Anubis was a demonstration of Liquid's full control. They dominated from the start and left 3DMAX no chance for a comeback. ultimate was particularly outstanding, as he again showed a high level of play and made 17 frags. Liquid finished the game 13-4 and secured a place in the playoffs.
Key players of the series
MVP of the series: ultimate (47/33 K/D, ADR 87, rating 7.1)
EVP of the series: Ex3rcice (47/43 K/D, ADR 87, rating 6.3)
What's next.
With this victory, Liquid qualify for the ESL Pro League S21 playoffs and will continue to fight for the main trophy and a share of the prize pool. For the team, this is a chance to prove their competitiveness in the international arena. 3DMAX , on the other hand, is completing its journey in the tournament. Despite several bright victories in the group stage, they failed to gain a foothold among the best. Now they have to review their game and work on their mistakes before the next championships.
Group stage results for the teams
Liquid (3-2 ) - won against FURIA Esports (2-0), Eternal Fire (2-0), 3DMAX (2-1), lost to Falcons (1-2), Mouz (0-2)
3DMAX (2-3) - beat Eternal Fire (2-0), Falcons (2-1), lost to Vitality (0-2), TheMongolz (0-2), Liquid (1-2)
This result allowed Liquid to continue their way to the playoffs, while 3DMAX became one of the teams that left the tournament.
