Gentle Mates’ struggles continue as RED Canids knock them out of IEM Rio

Gentle Mates’ struggles continue as RED Canids knock them out of IEM Rio

Gentle Mates’ difficult run in recent weeks showed no signs of improvement, as the European squad suffered yet another defeat—this time at the hands of RED Canids—resulting in their elimination from IEM Rio 2026. The loss marks their fifth consecutive series defeat, underlining a worrying downward trend for the team. 

The Brazilian side secured a 2–1 victory in the Group A lower bracket, ending Gentle Mates’ campaign at the event. The best-of-three series was closely contested but ultimately highlighted the differences in consistency between the two teams. 

RED Canids opened the series with a solid performance on Mirage, taking the map 13–9. Gentle Mates responded well on Ancient, where they controlled the game and equalized the series with a convincing 13–4 win. However, the decider on Overpass went in favor of the Brazilians, who closed it out 13–10 to seal the series. 

One of the standout performers for RED Canids was their young AWPer, who delivered impactful moments throughout the match, especially during key rounds on Mirage. Individual contributions across the roster helped the team maintain composure in the deciding map, where they edged out their opponents in crucial late-round situations. 

For Gentle Mates, the defeat continues a worrying pattern. The team has now lost five consecutive matches across different events, including defeats to teams like G2, 9INE, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and BIG in recent weeks. This streak has significantly affected their standing, with the squad slipping down the rankings and struggling to maintain the level they previously showed earlier in the year. 

Despite having a stable lineup featuring players such as ALEX, dav1g, mopoz, sausol, and MartinezSa, the team has been unable to convert close games into victories. Their overall win rate in recent months has declined, and the lack of consistency—particularly in decisive maps—has become a recurring issue. 

On the other side, RED Canids capitalized on this momentum shift. Although the Brazilian team has also faced mixed results in recent tournaments, including losses to stronger opposition like Vitality, their win over Gentle Mates provides an important boost. The victory keeps them alive in the competition and demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure in elimination scenarios.

The broader context of the match further emphasizes Gentle Mates’ struggles. Over their last five matches, they have failed to secure a single win, while RED Canids entered the series with a more balanced recent record. This disparity in form was reflected in the decisive moments of the series, particularly on Overpass, where experience and composure proved decisive.

With their exit from IEM Rio, Gentle Mates now face important questions regarding their form and future direction. The team had previously shown promise earlier in the season, but their current slump suggests deeper issues that need to be addressed if they aim to return to competitiveness at the international level.

Meanwhile, RED Canids move forward in the tournament, carrying momentum from this win as they look to continue their run against increasingly stronger opposition.