BLG vs EDG
Map 1: Pearl (BLG’s Map Choice)
Score: 12-14 (EDG Wins)
Match Rating: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)
Match Summary
The match began with EDG taking an early lead by winning the pistol round, setting them up for a potential snowball. However, a key misstep in round 2 changed the momentum. KAY/O, equipped with a ghost, was positioned as the A-site anchor. When EDG overpushed Art and dropped a gun, KAY/O left the site to retrieve it. This decision allowed BLG to take A site uncontested on an eco round, resulting in EDG losing the round.
This mistake not only handed BLG a crucial round but also gave them a significant credits advantage and bolstered their ultimate economy, allowing them to take an early lead at 4-1. Despite this, neither team managed to maintain consistent control.
Both teams demonstrated an understanding of how to battle for A Elbow control, but once that was settled, the match often devolved into chaotic engagements. The game became heavily reliant on hero plays and multikills, with many first bloods coming from isolated dry peeks or unsupported pushes.
Post-plant situations from both sides were underwhelming, as coordination seemed to break down. Utility was poorly timed, and the overall execution felt disjointed—possibly due to communication issues. These factors pushed the game into a back-and-forth of isolated moments rather than cohesive team play.
Final Thoughts
For BLG, the inability to close out a map despite having an early lead and multiple advantages is concerning. EDG’s mistakes gave them opportunities to capitalize, but they struggled to secure the win. If EDG had been more disciplined, BLG might not have been able to put up much of a fight at all.
Shoutouts:
Neph for some excellent KAY/O flashes
Levius for his aggressive shift-peeking plays, though sometimes overly ambitious
Looking Ahead
Next up is Map 2: Haven. Let’s hope for more disciplined play and stronger coordination from both teams.
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BLG vs EDG
Map 2: Haven (EDG’s Map Choice)
Score: 6-13 (EDG Wins)
Match Rating: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)
Match Summary
BLG started the map with a solid game plan on attack. Their Viper utilized a default wall to create pressure on A Main, A Short, and A Link, while Omen's smoke added additional pressure on B Main. This setup forced EDG into over-rotations or made them hold deep defensive angles, giving BLG significant map control early on.
However, cracks began to show as Neph repeatedly overextended, often dying first on attack. This undermined Viper’s crucial role in the composition—staying alive to maintain map pressure and control post-plants by holding rotating CT players hostage.
The pivotal moment came when BLG got caught off guard by EDG’s first eco-buy, allowing EDG to recover their economy. Despite BLG’s early 3-0 lead, they couldn’t capitalize on their momentum.
Key Turning Points:
Early Rounds: BLG’s early pressure strategy was effective but began to falter as Neph's early deaths disrupted their rhythm.
EDG Adaptation: EDG identified that Viper’s utility was a problem in the early game, but they countered by brute-forcing through A Main with Omen smokes. This often resulted in free frags for EDG without any trade or punishment from BLG.
First Half Close: EDG’s ability to exploit BLG’s mistakes and take control of key areas left them in a strong position heading into the second half.
In the second half, EDG dominated. It was a complete bloodbath as EDG stormed sites with superior aim and coordination, leaving BLG unable to mount any effective defense. KK and Smoggy stood out, closing two critical rounds with an ace and a 4K, respectively, showcasing their mechanical skill.
Criticism of BLG's Defense:
A particular misstep was BLG’s defensive Viper wall on C Site, which offered little help in retake scenarios while also giving EDG easy space to plant. This misplacement further hampered their ability to contest EDG’s aggressive pushes.
Final Thoughts:
BLG started with a promising strategy, but poor execution and repeated mistakes—especially from key players—allowed EDG to dominate the map. EDG's adaptations, individual brilliance, and superior coordination secured them a convincing victory.
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BLG vs EDG
Map 3: Lotus (BLG’s Map Choice)
Score: 5-13 (EDG Wins 3-0 and Advances to Masters)
Match Rating: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)
Match Summary
Lotus was a questionable map choice for BLG, especially given their lack of preparation to properly contest Rubble control. This glaring oversight mirrored issues we saw on Pearl, but this time the disparity in utility quality between EDG and BLG at A Main/Rubble was even more pronounced.
Instead of adjusting by conceding A Main and focusing on the other lanes, BLG repeatedly forced fights for Rubble and paid a steep price. Their inability to adapt left them at a consistent disadvantage.
Key Issues:
Utility Gap: BLG’s utility usage around A Main and Rubble was outclassed by EDG, making their attempts to contest the area costly and ineffective.
Lackluster Ultimate Planning: BLG’s ultimate usage was underwhelming, with no clear strategy to swing the momentum in their favor.
Inflexibility: BLG didn’t pivot their strategy to focus on B and C lanes when A Main control wasn’t working, compounding their problems.
When the halves swapped, EDG continued to dominate with their superior utility playbook. A standout moment occurred in Round 17, where EDG reached match point with an exceptional strategic play:
They forced BLG to abandon A Main.
Executed a brilliant fake A to B play with only Omen selling the fake at A.
This resulted in a deadly pincer move from B Main, catching BLG completely off guard.
This map showcased EDG at their best, far sharper and more coordinated than they appeared on the previous two maps.
Final Thoughts
The skill gap between EDG and BLG on Lotus was significant. EDG outclassed BLG in every aspect of the game, from utility usage to strategic planning and execution. Their dominance was well-deserved, and it’s clear they’ve earned their spot at Masters.
BLG, on the other hand, will need to reevaluate their map selection process and mid-game adaptability if they want to compete at a higher level moving forward.
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