The second game could have started in a more different manner. Liquid’s draft was more equipped for aggressive laning and strong rotations. Fnatic were initially caught off guard and dropped behind, as far as an 18 kill deficit. However, like their Monster Energy brethren EG, Fnatic stayed calm under pressure. MidOne and Ohaiyo were able to find critical initiations and kick off brilliant teamfights. Fnatic built off of the multiple four and five man wipes, and were able to swing the momentum in their favor, holding the lead for for the remaining 30 minutes of the match. Liquid eventually fell to the consistent pressure and strong teamfights, tapping out after almost an hour of play.
Now, Fnatic find themselves paired up against a familiar opponent: MVP Phoenix. Though MVP hail from Korea, they often compete in Southeast Asian tournaments, and have met Fnatic in numerous tournament matches. This week, the Korean phenoms astounded audiences by taking out two time Major winner OG, before falling to the Lower Bracket at the hands of Wings Gaming. MVP are notorious for their incredible aggression, charging headlong into every situation, with no regard for potential repercussions.
Fnatic will have to decide between meeting aggression with passive, reactive play or simply meeting fire with fire. Given yesterday’s performance, it may be in the best interest of Mushi and Co. to simply accept the slugfest and engage in an all out brawl on the battlefield. Fans should look forward to seeing the Malaysians utilize consistent pickoffs in the early game before transitioning into a teamfight heavy rotational style, guided by 343 and Net’s roaming supports.