Na`Vi bested VP.G2A in IEM Katowice 2017

Virtus.pro faced Natus Vincere in the first round of the group stage of IEM Katowice 2017. The match was a best-of-1. VP.G2A vetoed Inferno, Mirage and Overpass, while Na`Vi got rid of Cache, Nuke and Cobblestone.

Map stats (Train):

The match was played on Train. The Poles started on defense with a victory in the pistol round. Two ecos later, Virtus.pro repelled an attack on the B site after some early aggression on the map (4-0). Natus Vincere went for a force buy and entered through the alley, shutting down VP.G2A’s winning streak (4-1).

The Polish Five saved the open bomb site from a protracted attack (5-1). The Born-to-Win focused on attacking the safe bomb site, which allowed them to bridge the score gap (5-5). A force buy from the Poles altered the opponent’s tempo (6-5). It was an even fight, but eventually Na`Vi minimized the difference in score by the end of the half-time: 8-7.

Now on offense, the Poles quickly entered the open site, but were unable to defend their bomb plant (8-8). Natus Vincere repelled a series of quick attacks by VP.G2A, gaining a lead (8-14).

Virtus.pro lost in a 2v3 situation on the safe plant site, ceding a map point to the opponent (8-15). Good shooting allowed the Poles to enter the A site, breaking Na`Vi’s winning streak (9-15). Natus Vincere took a tactical pause, and then repelled VP.G2A’s assault on the B site: 9-16.

Denmark-based North will be Virtus.pro G2A’s next opponent. The match will be held 2 March at 13:30 CET.