Mighty Danes presents incredible comeback against Vitality

The matchup between Vitality and Astralis at IEM Global Challenge was dubbed as the ‘Battle of the best’, and the match delivered exactly that. The match included incredible individual skill, thrilling clutches, multiple OT’s and two of the best players in the world in Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and Nicolai “device” Reedtz.

Astralis - Vitality 2-1

2-16 (Nuke) apEX | 1.89 rating / 20-8 K-D / 121.4 ADR

22-19 (Dust2) dupreeh | 1.37 rating / 40-25 K-D / 97.1 ADR

16-5 (Inferno) device | 1.57 rating / 21-10 K-D / 103.4 ADR

The match began on Astralis’ map pick of Nuke, a map where Astralis have been dominant for a long time. Yet, it was Vitality who completely took over the map, and were in control from the very get going.

The Frenchmen established a nearly perfect CT-defence, through constant aggression and aggressive pushes all over the map. Their strong individuals in Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom found kill after kill and managed to rotate into a new position, making it impossible for Astralis to find any entrance, due to the outstanding mobility.

Going into the 10th round of play, the Frenchmen quickly had grounded a firm 9-1 lead where their superstar AWPer ZywOo still hasn’t died, presenting a stellar 11-0 K-D. The Danes only managed to get one single bomb plant in the entire half, which eventually ended in a dominant 13-2 scoreline.

Vitality continued their high level of CS in the second half and manifested their supremacy by securing the first map 16-2.

The beginning of Dust2 was an entirely different match than on Nuke with the roles turned completely upside down. This time, it was Astralis who came out the best, presenting a much better performance, especially Nicolai “device” Reedtz. The 25-year old sniper did not have the AWP much on Nuke, but the powerful AWPer was burning hot on the CT-side in the first half. Through his incredible 21 kills, Astralis settled the score at 10-5 going into the switch.

The problem for Astralis was that ZywOo started to heat up again, as we have seen time and time again, like on the first map. In the second half, the French prodigy could do it all – win 1vX clutches, AWP kills, and instant USP headshot. The impeccable performance by ZywOo helped Vitality to close down on Astralis and their lead, by setting the score at 14-12. It looked like a clean sweep for Vitality, but the Danes managed to barely force overtime.

The two teams continued in OT to provide this incredible and exciting CS as we saw in regulation. It was back and forth action, with both Astralis and Vitality in the lead, but in the end, it was the Danes who secured the map 22-19, through some insane AWP plays from Emil “Magisk” Reif.

A decider on the historic map of Inferno was needed. Astralis had clearly received some essential confidence and energy after their vital win on Dust2. gla1ve and his troops displayed a solid T-side where they succeed in the majority of their opening duels and established strong after plant situations. Astralis went into the second half with a convincing 10-5 lead owing to a once again, well-playing device who had a 105.6 ADR and a 17-9 K-D.

Astralis showed great character and proved their experience by staying composed and just playing that outstanding CS, we know they can play. The Danes conclude the series 16-5, in a complete bloodbath of a map. They looked done and dusted, but they managed to set up an amazing comeback and secure the important playoff spot.

Vitality's campaign at IEM Global Challenge is now over, while Astralis will advance to the playoff, which is set to start tomorrow.