Aurora Knock Out B8 to Stay Alive at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

Aurora kept their playoff hopes intact at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 after securing a 2-0 victory over B8 in the 1-2 elimination bracket match. The win moves the Turkish squad into the 2-2 pool, where a single victory will be enough to qualify for the playoffs at the BT Arena in Romania.

For B8, the defeat marks the end of their campaign at the tournament.

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Tournament Context

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 features a Swiss-system group stage, where teams reaching three wins advance to playoffs, while three losses result in elimination.

Coming into this match:

• Aurora held a 1-2 record and were fighting to avoid elimination.

• B8 were in the same 1-2 position, meaning the series was a direct knockout match.

The winner would move to 2-2 and remain in contention; the loser would exit the event.

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Map-by-Map Breakdown

Map 1 – Overpass (Aurora 13-10 B8)

Aurora’s map pick was Overpass, with B8 removing Anubis during the veto. The opening map was competitive, with B8 keeping the scoreline tight throughout the halves.

However, Aurora maintained composure in late-round situations and capitalized on key mid-round advantages to close the map 13-10 without the need for overtime. Their structured T-side conversions proved decisive.

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Map 2 – Mirage (Aurora 16-13 B8)

Mirage produced the most dramatic moments of the series.

B8 appeared in control early, building an 11-6 advantage and placing Aurora under serious pressure. At that stage, the Ukrainian squad were within reach of forcing a third map.

Aurora responded with a disciplined comeback, stringing together consecutive rounds to push the match into overtime. Once in OT, Aurora dominated, conceding only a single round before sealing the map 16-13 and the series 2-0.

The comeback under elimination pressure highlighted Aurora’s resilience and experience in high-stakes matches.

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Key Performers

Aurora’s victory was driven by strong individual performances:

• Wicadia delivered the highest impact across both maps, leading the server statistically and consistently opening rounds.

• XANTARES provided trademark firepower in crucial rounds, particularly during Mirage’s comeback.

• soulfly contributed important multi-kill rounds that stabilized Aurora in mid-round situations.

B8 showed moments of promise, particularly during their Mirage CT side, but were unable to convert their lead into a series-extending victory.

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What This Means Going Forward

Aurora (2-2 Record)

• Advance to the 2-2 pool.

• One best-of-three win away from playoffs.

• Momentum boosted after a comeback win under elimination pressure.

B8 (Eliminated)

• Exit the tournament with a 1-3 record.

• Showed competitiveness but struggled to close key maps.

• Their Mirage collapse ultimately defined the series.

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Broader Event Implications

The result continues the volatility of the Swiss stage at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, where several teams have been battling through elimination brackets after early losses. Aurora now join other 2-2 teams in a final decider round that will determine the last playoff participants.

With playoffs held in front of a live audience at the BT Arena, the stakes remain high for teams still in contention.