After defeating #Spirit in a late-night marathon series that concluded at almost four in the morning local time in Malta, #ENCE has advanced to the CCT Central Europe Malta Finals playoffs.

The European team showed tremendous tenacity throughout the series, playing with academy member Henri #HENU Ylilehto after benching Valdemar #valde Bjrn Vangs. They overcame two consecutive 4-12 deficits and fought through Anubis’ overtime, Nuke’s whole 30-round match, and another overtime during Mirage.

Spirit have already been defeated following a challenging loss on a crucial map that they appeared to have under control. The Group B championship match will be contested in Malta at the conclusion of the second day.

The Match Recap

Spirit began on the terrorist side of Anubis and during the first half held total control over the game. Their explosive offensive frequently allowed them to catch ENCE players off guard and win admission into sites despite frequently losing early advantages. Nonetheless, their 11–4 terrorist half was insufficient.

Although winning the following pistol round as well, Spirit was unable to capitalize on the enormous lead because ENCE frequently took advantage of Spirit’s frail mid holds when the teams switched.

The European side gradually reduced their deficit until they were within striking distance until Pavle #Maden Bokovi and Pawe #dycha Dycha came through with a few crucial multikills to force overtime. ENCE’s aspirations were ultimately dashed by Boris #magixx Vorobiev’s secondary AWPing and pivotal picks on the T side.

The terrorists still held power on Nuke. This time, ENCE got the ball rolling offensively and quickly built a commanding lead thanks to Maden’s 1v3 clutch in the second round and a 2v4 turn on the bottom bombsite. Despite falling down 3-8, Spirit managed to win three of the next four rounds to win the half courtesy to a victory with just a pistol in hand.

After losing two important rounds to low purchases on the side of ENCE, who eventually prevailed 16-14 to force the decider, the Russian team gave up their chance at redemption. They went over to their attack with a bit of hope and clawed back into the game off repeated A hits.

At this time, Malta time was almost three in the morning, but you wouldn’t know it from the way Robert #Patsi Isyanov grabbed control of the match on Mirage. After he calmed down from his persistent aggression, Spirit gained advantage after advantage, and it was then time for Leonid #chopper Vishnyakov to enter and finish the first half.

Spirit then followed it up with a pistol round victory, exactly like on Anubis, but was unable to capitalize on the significant lead. Maden, Alvaro #SunPayus Garcia, and dycha all contributed individual plays to keep ENCE in the game as they forced a second OT, which they won 19-17 courtesy to a 1v1 clutch from stand-in HENU.