The Stage 1 quarter-final between Team Liquid and Team Falcons ended with a 2–0 victory for Falcons, as the European-backed lineup delivered a composed LAN performance to move deeper into the playoffs. Falcons survived a tense opener on Nuke before taking full control on Dust2, ending Liquid’s run at the Finals.
Road to the matchup — LAN expectations collide
Liquid entered the quarter-final hoping to convert recent online wins into a convincing LAN showing. While their map pool offered options, questions remained about late-round consistency and firepower against elite opposition.
Falcons arrived with clear ambitions. With a star-heavy roster and growing LAN experience, the team approached the series with confidence, aiming to dictate tempo and lean on individual brilliance when needed.
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Nuke — 16:14. Falcons hold their nerve
On Liquid’s pick, Nuke developed into a tightly contested affair. Both sides traded rounds deep into the map, with Liquid repeatedly threatening to close it out. However, Falcons stayed composed in the late stages. Cleaner retakes, sharper utility usage, and decisive individual plays allowed them to edge the map 16:14 and seize early control of the series.
Dust2 — 13:8. Falcons shut the door
Dust2 proved far more one-sided. Falcons established early dominance, winning opening duels and quickly breaking Liquid’s economy. Liquid struggled to gain map control or build momentum, while Falcons methodically closed rounds without allowing the game to spiral. A confident 13:8 finish sealed the series and the quarter-final win.
Player of the match — Ilya m0NESY Osipov
Falcons’ star AWPer was the defining force across both maps:
- 1.61 rating
- 105.8 ADR
- 78.4% KAST
- +6.04% swing
m0NESY consistently won crucial duels, controlled space with the AWP, and delivered the impact needed to swing tight rounds in Falcons’ favor.
Teamplay breakdown — precision beats persistence
Falcons secured the win through discipline and superior execution in key moments. They absorbed Liquid’s pressure on Nuke and punished every opening on Dust2. Liquid showed flashes of resistance, but late-round hesitation and a lack of decisive firepower prevented them from pushing the series further.
VRS impact
- Falcons: +30 points — a significant boost as they advance
- Liquid: +13 points — modest gain despite elimination
Tournament implications
With this victory, Falcons advance to the next playoff stage at the BLAST Bounty 2026 Finals, reinforcing their status as a serious title contender. Liquid exit the tournament earlier than hoped, once again left to reflect on narrow margins and missed chances against top-tier opposition. Falcons move on — composed, confident, and firmly in the hunt for the trophy.
