Team Liquid vs. MAD Lions: BLAST Fall Showdown betting analysis

BLAST Premier Fall 2020 Showdown concludes its round of 16 on November 26 with an exciting match between Team Liquid and MAD Lions.

Team Liquid is in for its first time against a European team in months, as the team agreed to participate at the BLAST Fall Showdown. Liquid has been playing in several North American tournaments recently, but with very mixed results. Now, they will face off against a young MAD Lions squad that is hungry for blood against one of the best North American teams. 

After a crazy year in 2019 where Liquid won several big trophies, the American squad has been on a downward trajectory in 2020. Liquid has only won a single trophy this year, which was ESL Pro League North America back in April. Since then, the talented players have secured a few silver medals and some more disappointing results, such as placing fifth in IEM New York North America. 

Liquid has not shown the same spark as last year, as the new online format seems to have affected the squad’s players. At BLAST Showdown, Liquid will finally meet some European competition, which might kickstart the whole team. 

Going up against MAD Lions will be no easy task, but it’s not the hardest opening match either. MAD Lions is listed as the 22nd best team in the world according to HLTV after picking up Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and Ismail “refrezh” Ali back in October. Since then, MAD Lions has shown great improvement through smaller European tournaments.  

Facing off against Liquid will be a hard match for MAD Lions, but definitely not impossible. It’s hard to compare the two teams as they have played in different regions for months, but there is no doubt that MAD Lions has been getting the better practice in Europe. 

Liquid is still full of individual talent, with much more experienced players than the Lions. If Liquid finds its usual level of play, it will be a tough match for the Danes. On the other hand, MAD Lions could start off the tournament with a big confidence boost if they manage to take down Liquid. 

Team Liquid is slightly favored against MAD Lions at BLAST

Going into the match, Liquid will to no surprise be the favorites, but only slightly. Because of recent poor performances, Liquid is not expected to dominate the tournament, as several teams attending the event are looking to be stronger on paper. 

A win on Liquid gives odds 1.67, while MAD Lions gives a bit more at odds 2.07. The close odds indicate that this match will be hard to predict, but fans will likely learn a lot after seeing Liquid in action against a European squad. 

The match between Team Liquid and MAD Lions kicks off on Thursday, November 26.