Team Liquid kept their DreamLeague Season 24 playoff hopes alive with a confident 2-0 victory over Tundra Esports, proving they still have what it takes to compete despite previous setbacks.
Liquid entered the series against Tundra in a precarious position, facing elimination after a string of challenging losses. Yet, this win pushed them up the standings and gave them a chance to continue their journey toward the playoffs.
Game 1: Morphling Dominates with Invoker Support
In the opening game, Liquid’s strategy centered on Morphling, with Invoker providing key support throughout the game. Tundra’s draft featured Bristleback and Bloodseeker, aiming to counter Liquid’s picks and build a strong frontline.
However, Team Liquid adapted well, using Pangolier’s Rolling Thunder for crucial teamfight control, which left Tundra’s lineup struggling to hold their ground.
The turning point came with a mid-game Roshan capture, giving Liquid the momentum they needed to push high ground. Micke’s Morphling led the charge, leveraging his gold advantage to wear down Tundra’s defenses. In the end, Liquid’s superior team coordination and well-executed plays made the typically tanky Bristleback appear vulnerable.
Game 2: Shadowfiend Shines Against Broodmother
The second game saw Liquid’s Shadowfiend paired with Echo Slam, effectively shutting down 33’s Broodmother. Two early kills set the tone, forcing Broodmother to play cautiously and limiting her impact on the game. Tundra attempted to build up their Dragon Knight as a counter, but Liquid’s strategic decision-making kept them in control.
Liquid capitalized on their lead by waiting for a critical Roshan fight, securing Aegis and equipping Shadowfiend with a Silver Edge to counter Tundra’s Dragon Knight. With this item, micke’s Shadowfiend gained a decisive advantage, paving the way for Liquid to secure the win.
Can Team Liquid Make It to the Playoffs?
With this crucial 2-0 victory, Liquid edges closer to securing a playoff spot but remains close to elimination. Their next match against Team Waska will be pivotal, as Liquid needs another strong performance to solidify their standings.
Waska, a South American team with a history of strong tournament finishes, is sure to present a challenge, though Liquid’s captain Insania expressed confidence in the matchup, likening Waska to the old Thunder Awaken team that posed a serious threat in past tournaments.
“They’re good. They’re like the old Thunder Awaken team. I always enjoy playing against them,” Insania said after the match, adding that he hopes Liquid can maintain their winning momentum against Waska.
Conclusion
As DreamLeague Season 24 approaches its final stages, every match is crucial for teams like Tundra and Liquid. With Tundra scheduled to face Xtreme Gaming and Liquid preparing for their clash with Waska, fans can expect an intense showdown on November 5.
Catch all the action live on ESL’s Twitch channel to see if Liquid can keep their playoff dreams alive.
Nouns Exits Dota 2 Esports: Implications and What’s Next for North America