mVENewsletter week #3: RLCS Season X-Fall: EU event #2 Championship sunday recap

 Hey y'all! This weekend I got to watch the championship Sunday which had the quarterfinals all the way to the finals for the EU regional event #2. There were some great games this past weekend, and with the start of the NA regional event #2 this next weekend, there should be plenty more exciting RL content to watch! As per usual my stats are gotten from octane.gg and any images or bracket info was picked up from liquipedia.net. As well you can tweet at me @maachV on twitter! now on with the recap...

Game 1: Vodafone Giants vs. FC Barcelona

    The Giants have been on a tear in the EU region ever since RCD Espanyol dropped the roster, and they placed 4th in the spring series. I feel like they caught a lot of undeserved flack for their reactions after the 4th place finish because, in hindsight, they had the potential to go all the way in any tournament. They are hoping to finally get an A-tier tournament win, though, as they face Barca esports, who has been a dominant EU org for the last couple seasons but have struggled with the roster changing pretty much every offseason. Game 1 starts with Giants showing their experience and chemistry with an aerial pass off the wall from Stake to Tox for the redirect into the net, 1-0 lead for Giants. The momentum does not end at one goal for Giants, though, as Tox contests Itachi's very unlucky clear attempt, and it bounces into the Barca net to give Giants the 2-0 lead less than a minute into the game. The pressure continues to mount as Barca has had almost no opportunities to get an offensive possession. Giants look to be overwhelming Barca as Tox gets a bar down shot that sits on the goal line before being cleaned up by Zamue, who was originally going for the goalie bump, to give the Giants a commanding 3-0 lead that would last them the last 3:15 as they take game 1. Barca was able to get some shot in the late game, but Giants just looked absolutely on form, and I think without a game two win, it'll be tough for Barca to take this series and advance in the tournament.

               Giants get off to a hot start in game 2, similar to game 1. The first goal comes just 12 seconds in, this time from Stake off a Tox pass, but the Giants gain an early 1-0 lead, and if the last game showed anything, they don't take the gas off the pedal. Barca is looking better, getting more time with the ball and getting some more meaningful shots before finally Ronaky nets an equalizer, getting a little touch past Tox to make it 1-1. Both teams were getting some back and forth chances, but its Barca who end up breaking the tie with a transition goal, and then directly off the face-off, Giants tie it back up at 2-2 with a redirect from Zamue. Giants then get a pass off the backboard from Zamue to Stake for an easy goal to give them a 3-2 lead that would stick the rest of the game. Giants are able to take the 2-0 lead and look to have the all-around upper hand against Barca.

               Barca starts off the game much better, getting some more consistent ball presence and pressure on the Giants defense, which is working by not giving Giants as many offensive possessions of their own. Some technical issues cause an in-game pause, as Barca looks like they are still carrying the momentum after the restart. Barca strike first, with some corner play from Ronkay, and Itachi bounces to give them a weird angle shot to put far side of the net and a 1-0 lead. Barca continues to pile the pressure onto Giants, and they pick up an easy goal with 4 seconds left to avoid the sweep and give Barca some momentum going into game 4. Barca seemed able to disrupt Giants' defense, which looked superb the first two games of the series and needs to continue to be stellar to finish off Barca.

               Barca is able to find the first goal in game four as Deevo sends a strong pass to the midfield for Ronaky, who picks a corner to give them the 1-0 lead as they go for the reverse sweep. Some miscommunication from Ronaky and Deevo give Giants a beautiful transition opportunity, which Tox takes advantage of by cleaning up Zamue's double-tap attempt to tie it up at 1. The back and forth pressure continue for minutes before Stake reads a backboard pass from Zamue to break the tie for Giants with just over a minute left. Both teams chaotically searching for ball possession as Barca get a couple more shot attempts, but its not enough as Giants clean up for another last-second goal to take game 4 with a score of 3-1. Vodafone Giants win the series 3-1 and move onto the semi-finals with some significant momentum in their favor.

MVP of the match: Zamue

Game 2: Top Blokes vs. Barrage esports

    Barrage has had a fairly miraculous run to these playoffs as they competed in the first EU regional, but were eliminated with a record of 2-3 in the first stage of group B under a different name, Opp Block. They indeed showed up to prove something in this event, though, as they have beaten the likes of Renault Vitality and Oxygen esports to get to these playoffs, and they now own the RLCS record for most goals in a single game with 11 against Magnifico to get them to the playoffs. The Top Blokes are a strong team to face, though, so if Barrage can get past them, they may be confident enough to go to the finals. Immediately into Game 1, Top Blokes look to have control as Archie almost immediately scores a double-tap, but he does end up missing. It would be Top Blokes who score first, though as FlamE picks up a pass from Archie and rolls in a 114 KPH goal just past Oaly, who was coming pack in transition. Barrage gets an excellent offensive opportunity, but it leads to a good transition play from Top Blokes, which gets put away by Archie after Barrage puts up as much defense as they can to make it 2-0. Barrage is still putting up good opportunities but just not finding the net with their shots as the game does end 2-0 for Top Blokes. A strong effort from Barrage, but they were unable to put shots away when they needed to. For Top Blokes, Archie played a great game, but he had some offensive slip-ups which helped Barrage's defense keep it close. Top Blokes take the momentum to game 2.

               Barrage starts game 2 with a beautiful corner play by Oaly, who manages to flick it past two defenders and in front of the net for a beautiful setup, but rise couldn't get to the shot on time. Some more back and forth before Oaly can pass it up to rise, who hits it back down for Oaly, who hits the post with the shot as Barrage are getting some fantastic opportunities; they just can't finish them. Kassio then takes the miss and air-dribbles from their corner to the Barrage net to put Top Blokes up 1-0. Some more back and forth opportunities before rise get it past two, and FlamE returning to try and save it, hits it off the post and into the net to tie it up 1-1. This game looks like it is about to go to overtime before Kassio puts away a 0-second goal after some good pressure from Top Blokes for the last 30 seconds. This game looked like if it went to overtime, Barrage would have an excellent opportunity to win, but sadly, their defense slips in the final seconds, and they have to try and claw out of a 2-0 series deficit.

               Game 3 plays out very evenly like the first two games. Both teams are playing some stellar defense and getting some great offensive opportunities. The first and only goal of the game comes off some Barrage pressure, which leads to FlamE taking advantage and getting a transition goal to put away Barrage for the 1-0 victory. It really does suck to see Barrage go out in a 3-0 sweep, mostly since they played at an extraordinary level, and I really thought they could at least steal a game or two off Top Blokes, but the Cinderella story ends here. Top Blokes Advance to the semi-finals to play Vodafone Giants and still look as strong as they did in this tournament's earlier stages.

MVP of the match: FlamE

Game 3: Renault Vitality vs. Fadeaway

    Fadeaway comes out of the gates aggressive, with a barrage of offense. Still, Vitality's defense stands tall before they can start moving the ball downfield for their offensive possessions. A pinch 50/50 bounces perfectly for Alpha54 who, as expected, hits a banger to put Vitality up 1-0 with 2:37 left to go. Finally, with around a minute left in the game, Tigreee is able to respond with an odd angle shot where Fairy Peak probably should have had the save, but it's tied 1-1. Vitality takes only 26 seconds to retake the lead as Kaydop gets a pass from Fairy Peak, and that would be all they would need as they win game 1 with a score of 2-1. Fadeaway had pressure for probably most of the game, but they could not convert much on their shots. Even looking at their only goal, it was more a misplay from Fairy Peak then a great plan, but we move on to game two and hope to see some more finish from Fadeaway.

               Both teams exchange some good chances until Alpha54 puts some pressure on a clear attempt and perfectly hits it into the goal to give Vitality the 1-0 lead. Fadeaway gets some offensive pressure before Alpha54, and Kaydop play a beautiful two-man passing play down the field to get a magnificent goal. Vitality looks very comfortable sitting back and playing defense to get the shot opportunities off the transition. And they get their third goal that way as Fairy Peak hits a 117 KPH shot from midfield off a FreaKii hit, with 1:23 left to play. Three goals would be all Vitality needs as they take the game 3-0 and hold a 2-0 series lead over Fadeaway. Fadeaway again had some chances, but they began to play more passive as Vitality was stealing boost and making them play honest with their transition ability. The real difference is Vitality looks comfortable, and Fadeaway does not.

               Fadeaway comes out of the gates hot, as Oscillon jumps off the corner to give Tigreee a beautiful pass to make the game 1-0 for Fadeaway. The early pressure seems to have finally paid off for Fadeaway as maybe they've found a weakness.  Alpha54 is able to respond with a tremendous double-tap off the side of the net with 3:04 remaining to tie the game at 1-1 apiece with Vitality looking like they might have regained their momentum. Only 30 seconds later, Alpha54 comes down the field and fakes a flip reset to get the ball past two Fadeaway defenders and give Vitality a 2-1 lead as they look to close out Fadeaway with a 3-0 sweep. Fadeaway ties it back up after a misplay by Vitality on the defensive end gives FreaKii the ability to carry the ball into the net with 1:36 remaining. This game does head to overtime as both teams aren't able to get a game-winner just yet. Vitality ist just putting some sustained pressure on Fadeaway, but they have saved everything thrown t them this overtime period. At +1:41, FreaKii gives himself a clearing pass to sneak a quick shot bottom corner past Vitality's defense to provide Fadeaway with the 3-2 victory. Fadeaway did not look perfect, as they did not have a counter to Fairy Peak's great defense, but they were able to outlast them and sneak a game out of Vitality to make the series 2-1.

                If I am allowed to call only one game a defensive masterclass, it may have to be this one. Scoreless through regulation time with both teams getting some shot opportunities. Both teams had double-digit saves over the game, with Vitality having 11, and Fadeaway picking up 13 before Tigreee and Oscillon combine to score the game-winning goal at +7:13. An insane game all around with both teams getting consistent opportunities and all-around some excellent team defense. Fadeaway Forces a game 5, and hopefully, like their last chances, they can pull off the reverse sweep.

               Game 5 is very defensive, much like game four, except this game does not end in an overtime thriller. With just 43 seconds remaining, Fairy Peak hits the ball into the corner, and it pops out perfectly for a full-boost Alpha54 to bang it in to give Vitality the 1-0 lead and victory. Alpha54 had a beautiful pre-flip to correctly angle his fennec to get the right shot past the Fadeaway defense. Vitality takes the series 3-2 over Fadeaway and moves on to play Guild vs. BDS's winner in the semifinals. They had an interview with Kaydop after the game. He mentions Fadeaway's boost stealing ability as one of the reasons for the turnaround, which, when watching, you could tell did make a difference with how their pressure was being applied.

MVP of the match: Alpha54

Game 4: Team BDS vs. Guild esports

    After Scrub Killa's antics against Team Liquid the day prior, it's uncertain if Guild will pull together to beat a team like BDS. BDS does look in control at the start of game one as approximately 1:30 in M0nkey M00n gets the first goal to give Team BDS the 1-0 lead. Guild is able to respond as noly gifts the ball to Scrub Killa in front of the net for the game-tying goal. This game remains tied until overtime, which lasts just +0:17 before ThO air dribbles it over Extra and puts it into the net off the face-off. Guild looking good against the best team in EU; we will have to see, though, as they will need to keep that momentum for two more games to finish them off.

               BDS gets the first goal in game two as Extra can take advantage of a Guild double commit on the defensive clear for the 1-0 BDS lead. Scrub Killa gets a double-tap, assisted by noly, a minute later to tie up the game and keep giving Guild that momentum they need. BDS does regain the lead after Scrub leaves the net for boost leaving it wide open for the Extra transition shot to put BDS up 2-1, a lead which would last the rest of the game as they take game 2 to even the series 1-1.

               Game 3 sees BDS get most of the pressure and offensive opportunities but cannot put a goal past the Guild defense within regulation time as we go to a 0-0 overtime. After some insane pressure and demoing by Team BDS, Guild's defense finally breaks as Extra pops it up to himself and sneaks a shot into the right post at +4:25 for the 1-0 overtime win. Team BDS now has a 2-1 series advantage and is looking to finish off Guild in game four. Meanwhile, Guild is looking to regain some of the momentum lost between game one and now.

               Noly picks up an early goal for Guild, 44 seconds in, off a whiffed clear by Extra lets him get a great shot. Guild with the initial goal looks much more confident, and while you'd think with the last two games, they might be able to rely on their defensive ability the rest of the game and play more passive, but they are still out goal-hunting. One goal would be all they need, though, as Guild finishes the game with 7 save combined and a 1-0 win. The series is now tied 2-2 and heading to another game five, set to be a close game to solve this series.

               Game 5 has both teams getting good shot opportunities to start the game before Guild's defense starts falling apart, beginning with Extra's opening goal, 2 minutes into the game. All three players were back on defense, but nobody challenged, and they just let BDS shoot, which eventually, as they did, they will score. From that first goal, you can see Guild start to focus on the offense, which ends up leading to the 4 goals BDS nets on them in this game to take it 4-0. Each player picked up a goal from Team BDS as M0nkey M00n and MaRc By 8 each picked up one, and Extra picked up two. Team BDS takes this series 3-2 and has a much closer time than people probably expected, especially after the Guild issues arose yesterday.

MVP of the match: Extra

Game 5: Vodafone Giants vs. Top Blokes

    Top Blokes have already beaten the Giants 3-1 earlier in the second stage of the regional, so hopefully, we can either see Top Blokes continue their dominance an advance to the finals or Vodafone Giants overcome their past demons and finally beat Top Blokes. In game 1, it only takes 13 seconds for Archie to net the series's first goal to put Top Blokes up 1-0. After the goal, the Giants start to gain some ball control and respond to tie it up 1-1 with 3:41 left to go. Both teams are able to get useful offensive possessions as the game turns more towards a back and forth affair. That continues until Zamue dribbles the ball from midfield to surprise the defenders and give the Giants a 2-1 lead. That 2-1 lead would last the rest of the game, and the Giants take a 1-0 series lead with the 2-1 win. Both teams look equal, with goals just coming off defensive or spectacular, unpredictable offensive plays.

               Game 2 is very evenly matched again with both teams getting opportunities, but its Archie who nets the first goal half-way into the game, to give the Top Blokes a 1-0 lead. They keep the momentum as they pick up another goal with just less than a minute left, and the two-goal lead would be enough to keep the Giants at bay as Top Blokes tied up the series with a 2-0 game two win. Top Blokes have been able to carry momentum well in between games before, so for their sake, hopefully, they can keep applying pressure to the Giants.

               Vodafone Giants are looking to squash that momentum as Stake score just 16 seconds into the game to give the Giants the early lead, then Tox scores only 11 seconds later to put the Giants up 2-0. Top Blokes get some excellent shot opportunities, and Archie can finally respond with 3:45 left to play in the game. Blokes keep up the consistent pressure before Kassio capitalizes to equalize the score at 2-2. Top Blokes start to lose the momentum as they start whiffing on some clears and shots, and Tox takes advantage and gets the go-ahead goal with 47 seconds remaining in the game. The 3-2 lead would be enough for the Giants to take a 2-1 series lead over the Top Blokes. This whole game has been very back and forth, and it honestly wouldn't surprise me if we don't end up seeing a game 7.

               Giants again look in control in game four, but Top Blokes are holding up on the defensive end. Both teams seem to have defensive answers for each other's offense as this game needs more than 5 minutes for a goal. Neither team enters overtime with much momentum as both have seen some whiffs and shots to end the regulation. Giants can put some pressure, and an air dribble from Stake throws off the Top Blokes defense, and Tox comes in and cleans it up for the goal. Giants take the game 1-0, +1:08 into overtime, and hold a 3-1 series lead over Top Blokes. The Giants have looked much more polished and consistent than the Top Blokes, so they will need to pull some stuff together to pull out at least a game 7.

               Both teams have come out with some creative offensive possessions but no early goals in game 5. The game remains scoreless as both teams look like they may need to solve another one in overtime before Tox is able to score the first goal for the Giants, and they do not let up from there. Zamue puts two more goals in the last minute to give the Vodafone Giants the 3-0 victory and the 4-1 series victory over the Top Blokes. Top Blokes just seemed to struggle to keep momentum after their complimentary possessions after Giants were only able to pressure them into enough mistakes. This is a significant victory for Giants as they move onto the grand finals against the winner of Team BDS vs. Renault Vitality.

MVP of the match: Tox

Game 6: Team BDS vs. Renault Vitality

    Game 1 has a lot of back and forth, with the first goal coming over 2 minutes in from Kaydop, who beats MaRc By 8 to the ball and nobody was back on defense for BDS. Vitality picks up the pressure after going up 1-0, as MaRc and Kaydop get into a rule 1, which leads to Fairy Peak passing to Alpha54 for a transition goal to put Vitality up 2-0. Vitality continues their game one dominance as some beautiful passing down the field leads to a Kaydop goal to give Vitality the 3-0 victory. Vitality takes the series lead 1-0, and if they can continue tog et the pressure, it looks like BDS may not have a defensive counter. Hopefully, next game, they can get more offensive opportunities to try and swing some momentum their way.

               It only takes Vitality 38 seconds to score the first goal of game 2. The goal comes after Kaydop gets a strong clear off an intercepted pass, then Alpha54 sets up Fairy Peak for the 1-0 lead. Vitality continues the pressure as Kaydop gets a double touch in the corner, shooting out front for an easy Alpha54 goal. With a 2-0 lead, Vitality continues to apply pressure as they take game two relatively straightforwardly. BDS may need to hit the panic button soon as even their end of game efforts; they could only hit the crossbar. If they can't pick it up for game three, I'm not sure what they will have to try and pull out for game 4.

               Team BDS comes out more confident in game 3, with M0nkey M00n picking up a goal 1:16 into the game, Their first goal of the series. The 1-0 lead for BDS does not last long as it takes Kaydop just 23 seconds to tie it up by cherry-picking while trying to steal a boost from Team BDS. Game 3 so far seems much more evenly matched as both teams are getting solid offensive attempts. This game remains tied through the end of regulation, though, and we head to overtime. Overtime does not last long, though, as off the faceoff, BDS gets possession, and after a demo on a defender by MaRc, M0nkey M00n can score the game-winning goal just +0:11 into overtime. Team BDS needed this win as now hopefully they can grab hold of some momentum and at least make this game enjoyable, if not pull off the win.

               BDS scores first in game 4, as a beautiful touch in front of the net by MaRc sets up a goal by Extra. Team BDS pick up the 1-0 lead early, and they don't look back as they carry that momentum on their next couple possessions. They only needed a minute before MaRc By 8 puts Team BDS up 2-0 with a fantastic read of the net's side. Vitality's defense looks to be struggling with the tempo of the Team BDS offense. The 2-0 lead would be enough to take game 4 for Team BDS, but they add a third goal for good measure with 10 seconds left to take the game 3-0. The series is now tied up 2-2, and all the momentum is with BDS now.

               Game 5 sees more pressure from Team BDS, but the Vitality defense has shown out to play. While both teams get good shot opportunities, BDS more than Vitality, this game does head to overtime. A demo onto MaRc off the overtime faceoff sees him perfectly positioned to take the ball from their own end and down the field for the game-winning goal. Everything in that play was perfect for MaRc and BDS as they win game five and pick up the 3-2 series lead.

               MaRc is able to open up the scoring just 20 seconds into game 6 with a cannon shot from his own backboard for a 109 KPH goal to give BDS the 1-0 lead. The MaRc By 8 offensive onslaught continues after some beautiful chances by Vitality to even it back up, but it's just not enough as the game ends 4-0 for Team BDS, and they win the series 4-2. MaRc had all 4 goals for Team BDS, but M0nkey M00n was stellar on the defensive end, picking up a 6 of his teams 7 saves. When BDS woke up after game 2, they showed why they should be considered the #1 team in EU right now, displaying dazzling offense and equally stellar defense to shutdown Vitality.

MVP of the match: M0nkey M00n

Game 7: Team BDS vs. Vodafone Giants

    Both teams are relatively newer rosters to the scene as we saw them last season in the RLRS when that was still the RLCS format, but both teams are now thriving in the new swiss system. Both teams traded possessions before BDS scores first, with the goal coming from Extra off an assist from M0nkey M00n, who goes for the bump after the pass. Team BDS does not slow down from there as Giants cannot even clear the ball before M0nkey M00n puts Team BDS up 2-0. Giants are able to ease the bleeding as Stake gets a great transition goal to make it 2-1. The commentators bring up the fact that Zamue and MaRc both live in the same house together, which I find pretty impressive, especially since Zamue promised JohnnyBoi that if he scores a flip reset over MaRc, he will run to his room to yell what a save at him mid-game. That’s absolutely the sort of RLCS entertainment I am here for. Giants are able to tie the game up with less than 30 seconds left to send the game to overtime. MaRc was getting bumped by Zamue while trying to get back to save the shot, which is much funnier with the info we know now. Overtime last +1:47 before MaRc gets his revenge with a beautiful shot perfectly placed to the top left corner, as BDS wins the game 3-2 and lead the series 1-0. A great game by both teams, as this looks like it could be a very close series.

               Giants start game 2 with some beautiful offensive chances, but can’t find the net as Team BDS nets the first goal off an awkward center, leaves the Giants defense confused. Giants do not take long to respond as Tox puts a perfect pass for Stake to put right under the crossbar tie up the game 1-1. Not too long after that, BDS regains the lead after a hit gifts the ball to M0nkey M00n right in front of an open net to put them up 2-1. Giants tie it up in the final 30 seconds as Tox sends a pass off the crossbar for Zamue to clean up and send the game to overtime. BDS is able to pick up the overtime win again as M0nkey M00n capitalizes on a double commit save to put the game-winning goal home from a comfortable angle. BDS lead 2-0 in the series, and Giants are playing well, but with nothing to show for it since BDS can clean up any little mistake.

               BDS brings the pressure in game 3, putting the Giants on the ropes with a M0nkey M00n goal 2 minutes into the game, and they did not stop there. Roughly 10 seconds later, MaRc hits a double-tap to put Team BDS up 2-0, and outside of a Vodafone Giants goal with 2:06 remaining, Team BDS did not let off the gas pedal, taking the game 4-1 and putting a 3-0 stranglehold on the series. It would be very tough for Giants to reverse sweep BDS, especially since their mentality and confidence might be a little boomed after two overtime losses in a row and the momentum growing in favor of Team BDS.

               MaRc puts any confidence Giants might have had to bed as he scores just 15 seconds to give Team BDS the 1-0 lead. Giants are able to respond immediately after with Stake getting a great hit off a rebound to tie it up 1-1. Giants are trying their damn best, remaining calm in net while attempting to apply pressure on the offense, but MaRc By 8 helps BDS regain the lead with 2:47 left. The Giants seemed slightly crushed by that as they seemed more stuck on defense after that. Still, after a while, they get some good offensive opportunities before M0nkey M00n crushes their hopes finally by putting a shot in to take the lead 3-1 and give Team BDS the 4-0 sweep of the Vodafone Giants. Team BDS are your two-time Regional champions, and was it ever in dominant fashion. Spacestation is looking to become the two-time NA champion, but as of now, there is only one two-time, and its Team BDS.

MVP of the match: M0nkey M00n

That'll be all for this week's recap. the matches this past week where all great and I really hope that this new swiss format can help introduce some cinderella stories like Barrage esports, because I am a massive fan of that. If you read this far, thank you so much, and if you could share this with anyone interested it would mean the world to me. <3