The Stage 3 lower bracket series between G2 and FUT at the IEM Cologne Major offered a rematch of their Stage 2 encounter, where FUT previously claimed a 2-1 victory. Facing a potential 0-2 deficit in the bracket, G2 emerged victorious this time, winning the series 2-1 to claim their first win of the stage while pushing FUT into elimination territory.
G2 strike first on Overpass
The series began on Overpass, chosen by G2. FUT secured the first three rounds, but G2 quickly seized control with a highly structured offensive half. They strung together eight consecutive T rounds to establish a commanding lead.
Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia anchored the performance for G2, recording 20 kills across the 18-round map, including 11 with the AWP. The lack of cohesion from FUT was apparent during a broadcasted voice communication, where in-game leader Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija expressed frustration over teammates rotating prematurely. G2 closed their map pick comfortably with a 13-5 score.
FUT answer back on Ancient
Moving to Ancient, the map pick of FUT, the momentum shifted entirely. The roster recovered from their heavy loss and immediately pressured the G2 defense. Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko provided the primary resistance for G2, keeping the game competitive early by posting a 13-5 kill-death ratio after eight rounds despite his team trailing.
G2 managed to secure five rounds on their CT half to keep the scoreline close at the break. However, FUT took complete control in the second half, completely shutting down the G2 offense to win Ancient 13-6 and force a deciding third map.
HeavyGod and MATYS secure Mirage
The series concluded on Mirage. G2 regained their composure, assembling seven rounds on their T side to take the lead going into the second half. FUT managed to salvage three late rounds before the side switch to keep themselves within striking distance. Matúš “MATYS” Å imko, who had a quiet series up to this point, spearheaded the G2 offense alongside HeavyGod.
The second half remained tightly contested as FUT fought back to tie the game at 9-9. At this critical point, HeavyGod elevated his performance again, leading G2 to three consecutive rounds. Leading 12-9, G2 closed out the map 13-9 to finalize the series.
G2 now advance to the 1-1 bracket in Stage 3. FUT face a strict elimination scenario for the remainder of the stage, requiring three consecutive series wins to qualify for the playoffs.
