The FISSURE Playground 2 quarterfinal between Falcons and paiN was seen as a chance for the Brazilians to challenge the European superteam. However, the suspense quickly disappeared once the match began: Falcons closed the series with a dominant 2:0 victory, showing strength in every aspect of the game and securing their spot in the semifinals.
Match Chronology
- Inferno (13:4, paiN’s pick)
PaiN chose their favorite Inferno, but from the opening rounds it was clear the decision would backfire. Falcons completely seized the initiative: NiKo, kyousuke, and kyxsan dominated in the duels, preventing the Brazilians from finding their rhythm. The first half ended 8:4, and Falcons sealed the map with five consecutive rounds in the second half. The crushing 13:4 score broke paiN’s morale.
- Ancient (13:6, Falcons’ pick)
On their own pick, Falcons looked even more confident. m0NESY was ruthless with the AWP, while NiKo continued to win key duels. PaiN managed to secure a few rounds in the first half, but once sides switched, Falcons displayed discipline and structure. A 13:6 finish locked in the series 2:0.
Match Stats
Match Best Player
The standout player of the series was Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, who delivered a true masterclass:
- K-D: 36–21 (+15)
- ADR: 117.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.63
The Bosnian star not only consistently won duels but also set the tempo for his entire team. His confidence and flawless play were the foundation of Falcons’ dominance.
Team Performances
Falcons once again proved they are one of the main contenders for the title. NiKo and kyousuke were the driving forces of the offense, m0NESY added control in critical moments, while kyxsan and TeSeS ensured balance between aggression and stability. The team looked cohesive, disciplined, and supremely confident.
paiN, on the other hand, played one of their weakest matches in recent months. Only dgt attempted to salvage the situation, but the poor form of dav1deuS and snow effectively eliminated their chances of competing. The lack of a clear game plan and absence of synergy were the key reasons behind their defeat.
Falcons advance comfortably to the semifinals of FISSURE Playground 2, where they will continue their fight for the title. Their performance looked mature and ready for tests against the strongest opposition.
PaiN, meanwhile, exit the tournament at the quarterfinal stage. This result is another reminder of their need to find stability and confidence as a team if they hope to compete with Europe’s elite on the highest stage.
