Team Liquid start Berlin Major strong with win over CR4ZY

Team Liquid are off to a good start at the StarLadder Berlin Major.

The favorites to win the event are now 1-0 in the Legends Stage thanks to a 16-9 win over CR4ZY. While that score line might suggest the game was a rout, CR4ZY showed that it is a real threat to the top-ranked teams at the event.

Liquid surprised the desk by taking the game to Mirage, historically CR4ZY’s best map. It was a bold, arguably cocky move that it looked like they might regret.

Though Liquid came out of the gate strong, CR4ZY responded emphatically by tying the game and roaring to an 8-5 lead thanks to a 17-kill first half from Nemanja “nexa” Isaković. Liquid clapped back in the second half and retook the lead, but CR4ZY started creeping back yet again, chipping away at Liquid’s economy and retaking the momentum.

Team Liquid adapt, overcome CR4ZY at Berlin Major

CR4ZY was positioned to take control but Liquid was able to deal a hard blow with a successful eco round. With the score sitting at 10-9, Liquid sent three players mid despite entering the round with just two rifles. The move paid off and got them the win against a fully invested CR4ZY, crippling their economy.

Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski and Keith “NAF” Markovic stepped up from there with key holds, setting Liquid up for a streak that allowed them to close out the game 16-9.

The game ultimately saw both teams look good in their own way. Liquid showed off its excellent mechanical skill, strong teamwork, and sheer craftiness by overcoming adversity against a hot team on its home turf. Meanwhile, CR4ZY showed that it is capable of doing work against elite teams, including the consensus best.

Both will return tomorrow for best-of-one games. Opponents have not yet been determined for CR4ZY, while Liquid will play domestic rival NRG Esports.