NAVI is through to the playoffs of the ESL Pro League Season 22, beating MongolZ with a 2-0 scoreline. Having already lost two matches, NAVI brings home a crucial win against an opponent that has been a thorn in their side in recent times and eliminates them from the event in the process.
VETO
- Natus Vincere removed Overpass
- The MongolZ removed Train
- Natus Vincere picked Nuke
- The MongolZ picked Ancient
- Natus Vincere removed Mirage
- The MongolZ removed Dust2
- Inferno was left over
Map 1: Nuke; Pick: NAVI; Winner: NAVI
NAVI hit the board, converting a force buy in the second round after MongolZ won the opening pistol. NAVI brought their A game and paired with calls from Aleksib, a well-executed T side put them 9-3 up before switching sides. Losing the pistol round, MongolZ paved the way for NAVI to take home the map, which they did without losing a single round. 2.08 IR from iM proved fundamental in getting NAVI an early lead in the series against an opponent that has historically troubled them a great deal.
Map 2: Ancient; Pick: MongolZ; Winner: NAVI
A solid start from MongolZ to open Ancient put NAVI on the back foot. The MongolZ’s fast-paced offense was proving too much for NAVI to handle early on, but a quick tactical change with NAVI being more proactive on the defense helped them recover the half and switch sides with a level scoreline. The story repeated for another half as the next 12 rounds failed to separate the teams, leading to the map going to OT. MongolZ faltered in overtime as NAVI went on to win all of the remaining rounds and closed the map with a 16-12 scoreline.
MongolZ have tormented NAVI on big occasions multiple times in the past, but not today. This is the day, NAVI goes through to the next round of play at the cost of MongolZ, who will now be heading home. Goes without saying that one bad event barely takes anything away from them, but with the Major approaching, now is the time to iron out the wrinkles.