Liquid’s Comeback Secures Playoffs Spot and Major Hope After Upset Over FaZe

Liquid’s Comeback Secures Playoffs Spot and Major Hope After Upset Over FaZe

Team Liquid pulled off an impressive turnaround in the FISSURE Playground 2 group stage, rising from a 0-2 start to finish 3-2, thanks in large part to a crucial win over FaZe. This victory not only grants them passage into the playoffs held at Belgrade Arena, but also keeps their aspirations for qualifying for a Major alive. 

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The Match & Key Moments

• Match Stakes: Going into their final group-stage match, Liquid were on the brink: a loss would cost them playoff qualification. FaZe, on the other hand, were favored, despite internal storylines around roster moves.

• Twistzz’s Role: Twistzz, who is reportedly set to join FaZe after this event, played a pivotal role for Liquid in this match. His performance drew attention given the oddity of facing his designated “future employers.”

• Map Play & Execution: Liquid’s ability to find momentum after early losses was essential. They showed resilience, adjusting strategies and clutching rounds when under pressure. While details of every map weren’t exhaustively laid out in the preview, the outcome reflected strong leadership and composure.

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Context Before & After the Match

• Group Stage Format: FISSURE Playground 2 uses a Swiss-format group stage before playoffs. Teams need to succeed in five rounds; 3 wins qualify you, 3 losses end your run. Liquid’s path was rocky—starting 0-2 meant elimination was one more loss away—but they managed to claw back.

• FaZe’s Position: FaZe came into the match with expectations, given their veteran roster. The impending arrival of Twistzz adds to the storyline: this was not just a match but a moment of transition.

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Implications

• Playoffs at Belgrade Arena: Liquid's win ensures they get to compete in the Belgrade Arena stage of the event. That’s not just prestige—it’s also more viewers, higher stakes and better visibility.

• Major Qualification Hope: The win helps Liquid solidify their standing in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), which are essential for qualifying for Majors. By making playoffs, they keep their Major hopes alive. Failure would have severely harmed their VRS profile.

• Twistzz Departure Foreshadowed: While still with Liquid during this match, Twistzz is expected to depart for FaZe after the event. This makes his performance in this match somewhat bittersweet, as he helped deny the team he's about to join. It also heightens narrative tension.

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Bigger Picture: Liquid’s Season & Challenges

• Early Losses and Recovery: Starting 0-2 in Swiss is dangerous—one more loss means elimination. Liquid managing to reverse that trajectory shows improved mental fortitude. They had to address earlier map issues, momentum swings, and likely fatigue from travel.

• Historically Difficult Matchups: FaZe has often had Liquid’s number in previous matchups. According to head-to-head records, FaZe leads significantly in wins over Liquid. That makes this upset all the more meaningful.

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What to Look For Next

• How Liquid perform in the playoffs at Belgrade Arena: whether they can ride this momentum or fall short against stronger opposition.

• Whether Twistzz’s departure (post-event) impacts Liquid’s future line-ups and performance.

• Which maps Liquid needed to tighten up in earlier matches, now exposed under pressure—expect adjustments.

• How FaZe respond in future Swiss-stage or Major-qualifying matches, especially with internal roster changes.