The race for the top of the LEC has taken another turn after Fnatic and G2 Esports both lost their games on Friday, while Rogue defeated MAD Lions to once more open up its lead at the top.
Week sixth of the LEC began on Friday and by now, the playoff was big on everyone’s mind. The previous week ensured that no team would be left winless - or undefeated - and that Fnatic and G2 Esports would be within touching distance of Rogue. With the runners-up scheduled to play bottom 4 teams and Rogue having to face off against MAD Lions, it looked like we were going to see a shake-up at the top.
Giantslayers Astralis Strike Again!
Fnatic and Astralis started the matches of the day with a very evenly matched early game. while the favorites got a big fight 16 minutes in they quickly fell behind in drakes. Despite the gold deficit, Astralis’ wombo combo composition had a lot of overlapping damage and as the game went on, they would consistently get on the enemy carries. Fnatic fought back and even took the elder drake 33 minutes in, but Astralis' fed Jinx took over the fight and the game was done.
Misfits Prove Too Strong for Excel
Misfits Gaming were on the cusp of catching up with the leaders, but to do that, they had to go past Excel Esports. The teams started brawling early and while it looked even at first, several minor outplays ended up putting Misfits at a considerable lead. The team started pressing their advantage throughout the game and even Patrik "Patrik" Jírů’s fed Aphelios was not enough. Despite several close fights, Misfits were comfortably in command and 31 minutes they started the Baron, got the first kill and demolished their opponents.
Another Heartbreaker from BDS
Team Vitality took on Team BDS next, and once more, the newcomers to the LEC had a great start, getting a gold lead and early dragons. BDS would once more disappoint fans when it came to their mir-game, however, and despite securing the mountain soul they slipped behind as Vitality won several clutch teamiwas Vitality who won several clutch teamfights. The favorites took over the map before ending the game with the second Baron and an elder dragon.
Gilius is Back
SK Gaming had a solid early against G2 Esports, getting an early lead off several ganks by Erberk "Gilius" Demir. A big fight 22 minutes in resulted in an ace for them after a great shockwave and Jinx rocket combo and seemingly to their own surprise, SK were in the lead. A Baron steal by Marcin "Jankos" Jankowski 34 minutes in made the game close and it seemed like SK were tempting fate as they started the Elder dragon. However, the German team proved stronger in the ensuing teamfight and secured their fourth win of the split.
No Time for Rogue Time
If MAD Lions were hoping to catch Rogue still on their week 5 slump, they were sadly mistaken. Rogue outdrafted them and while the Lions had a fleeting lead in the early game, once the teamfights started it was all the Rogue show. The favorites got an early Baron and used it to expose the enemy inhibitors, then collapsed on the Lions 4v5 26 minutes in and routed them to take the game.
Read More:
- Recap: LEC Looks Closer Than Ever with Shaky Rogue
- TSM Have Worst LCS Start in Org History
- Top 3 Break Away from the Pack in LEC Friday Games
The LEC continues on Saturday, February 19th, with a game between Astralis and XL Esports. Don't miss it!