Losses by Rogue and Team Vitality keep the playoff race interesting as SK Gaming and MAD retain an outside chance to snatch a top 6 spot. Meanwhile, Misfits and Fnatic scored key wins to make the race for that top even closer.
The LEC regular season is in its final weekend, and it's going to be a big one. Not only is it a three-day superweek with a grand total of 15 games, but a lot of things are still in the air both in the placement in the top 4 and which two teams will fill out the playoff bracket.
SK Keep Their Dreams Alive
Rogue were the big favorites against SK Gaming and they had the early lead. However, several mistakes let SK get back into the game and executed the teamfights better. A fight near the Baron went firmly in their favor and they kept pushing to keep their playoff hopes alive.
No Grand Comeback Today
Misfits Gaming had a very strong start against Astralis, taking four early leads on Vincent "Vetheo" Berrié's Syndra and a 5K gold lead at 15 minutes. However, a series of overextensions and an early Baron attempt led to Astralis equalizing the game and even taking the first Baron. The two teams were neck and neck in the mid-game, but eventually Misfits prevailed with a series of good fights that got them an infernal soul and Baron for Misfits. With that, they had enough to close out the game.
MAD Break Losing Streak
It was do or die for MAD Lions if they wanted to keep their playoff hopes alive. Team Vitality got three kills in the opening minutes, but several overreaches kept the game close. MAD turned the tables in the mid-game, however. With a ton of crowd control and a fed William "UNF0RGIVEN" Nieminen on Jinx, they avoided the Vitality wombo combo and secured a much needed win that keeps them in contention for a top 6 spot.
Great Azir Secures Caps Victory
The game between G2 Esports and Excel Esports started evenly, but did not stay so for long. Rasmus "caPs" Winther put the team on his back from the early game, delivering an insane Azir performance fueled by five early kills. Even a great fight for Excel 19 mintues in was not enough to turn the game around. G2’s mid-game was on point and they won fight after fight to end the game in just 26 minutes.
Can You Smell what Renata Is Cooking?
The final game of the day featured Team BDS trying to take a game off Fnatic, and a world-first Renata pick going to Zdravets "Hylissang" Galabov. Despite the newcomers taking the first blood in the top lane, Fnatic quickly equalize and then took over, with Elias "Upset" Lipp boasting 3 kills just 10 minutes in. The difference steadily grew and around the 20-minute mark, Fnatic got four kills, third drake and the Baron. They sieged the enemy base and just as the purple buff was about to expire committed to a dive that resulted in an ace and another quick win.
Read More
The LEC continues on Saturday with a fight between SK Gaming and Excel, in a game that is likely to be vital for both teams’ playoff chances. Don’t miss it!