LEC’s first playoff seed Rogue defeated Misfits Gaming in a strong 3-1 series. Rogue looked on point in their three victories, bounding back after a shaky game three. Have Misfits exposed a weakness, however, or was it just a temporary lapse of concentration?
The LEC playoff kicked off with one of the series we are most hyped for - Rogue versus Misfits Gaming. Rogue is the team that went undefeated in the first half of the season and ends it as first seed. Misfits, meanwhile, were the biggest overperformers of the split, exceeding all expectations and delivering several unforgettable comebacks. Will Rogue show they are just as strong in Best of 5’s or will Misfits pull their biggest upset yet?
A Cut Above
Rogue started the series strong, getting several early kills before winning the first major fight 17 minutes in. Misfits were on the back end and after a gambit for the Baron backfired, the game looked decided. The underdogs managed to hang on, however, getting several dragons and keeping teamfights surprisingly close until Rogue, wearing their second Baron buff, caught Lucjan "Shlatan" Ahmad and then pushed in the enemy base 5v4 to end the game.
When the teams returned to the Rift, Misfits got a first blood but their lead did not last. Rogue got several early kills, once more aided by great map presence by Kim "Malrang" Geun-seong, and an outplay near the bot lane tower resulted in a gold lead. As the mid-game started, Rogue were once more on a different level, strangling Misfits along the map. Even a courageous base defense 28 minutes in concluded in 2 kills for each team and left Rogue able to get the ocean soul. A kill on Shin "HiRit" Tae-min shortly afterwards signaled the decisive push and soon, Misfits were left 0-2.
Misfits Strike Back
Misfits had to show up big in game three and they did. A series of kills around the map in the early game unlocked Vincent "Vetheo" Berrié and Shlatan and they started terrorizing Rogue around the map, pushing their poke comp around. Both of Misfits’ carries got fed and they dominated the map. An early Baron was all the Rabbits needed to storm the Rogue base, rout the defenders and get their first win of the series.
The Comp Show
It was time for Rogue to show how well they bounce back and the answer was “very well indeed.” The team got two early kills in the mid lane, then one more in the bot lane as they punished Misfits for forcing too hard. Markos "Comp" Stamkopoulos on Zeri was on fire this game, first salvaging what looked like a bad fight for Rogue near the Rift Herald, then staying alive by the skin of his teeth near the dragon pit to pile on the damage. The game spun out of control and 22 minutes in,Misfits threw the dice with a double teleport flank - but once more, Comp’s Zeri survived and cleaned up, giving Rogue the ace and the decisive win.
Read More:
- 2022 Mid-Season Invitational: Where, When & Who
- Our Guide For The LEC Spring Split Playoffs 2022
- Rogue Defeat G2 to End Season in Style
The LEC playoffs continue tomorrow with a showdown between Fnatic and G2 Esport. Will Fnatic take down their bitter rivals or will G2 show their new squad is already one of EU’s very best?