Spirit are through to the semi-finals of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, beating G2 with a 2-1 scoreline. Despite getting washed in the opening map, Spirit managed to outlast a valiant G2 side in a match that could have gone either way easily.
VETO
- G2 removed Nuke
- Spirit removed Inferno
- G2 picked Overpass
- Spirit picked Dust2
- Spirit removed Ancient
- G2 removed Anubis
- Mirage was left over
Map 1: Overpass; Pick: G2; Winner: G2
Starting their offense by converting a force buy, G2 managed to outlast Spirit in the first half with their typical pick and play. Despite their good start, G2 gave away control of the game to Spirit, leading to the Russian side edging out with a 7-5 scoreline before switching sides. G2’s highlight of the map came in the second half, where their defense spoke to their choice of map, as a dominant defense kept Spirit at bay. Winning a streak of rounds on defense, G2 managed to outlast Spirit to start the series with a stunning performance of a 13-9 scoreline. HeavyGod, with his high impact across both halves of the game, proved instrumental in G2’s success, posting 1.66 IR.
Map 2: Dust2; Pick: Spirit; Winner: Spirit
G2 started in a similar style to open up the map, only for Spirit to build into the series by the end of the first with a level scoreline. Although G2 briefly edged ahead, Spirit hit map point first in the second half before a huNter clutch sent the game to overtime. As both teams remained inseparable during regulation, Spirit managed to pull ahead in OT, with G2 trailing closely in a game that almost seemed headed to a second OT. A classic donk 1v2 pulled the curtains, taking us to the final map of the series.
Map 3: Mirage ; Pick: Decider; Winner: Spirit
A 3-0 start for G2 on the offense gave them the foundation to start their season looking for, and despite Spirit pulling in 4 to level the scoreline, G2 managed to put together another 4 to close the half with an 8-4 lead. A solid first-half performance from G2 failed to translate to the second half, as Spirit levelled the scoreline to take the game to OT. Pushing the game to OT, Spirit kept the upper hand with G2 playing a chase game. It goes without saying that more than a few clutches went in favour of Spirit, especially one with magixx just spraying down 4 players coming in. Following 4 OTs, Spirit managed to push the game over the line, securing a solid win after a prolonged battle.
Goes without saying that this was one of the most heartbreaking losses that we have come to see across the Major, with G2 losing the game from the edge of winning. While no one expected them to put up a performance like this, this will go down as one of the most exciting Major matches that we have come to see, which is only lacking a fairytale ending.
