NAVI Crushes paiN in IEM Cologne 2024 Group Stage

Natus Vincere (NAVI) delivered a commanding performance in the IEM Cologne 2024 Group Stage, decisively defeating paiN Gaming with a 2-0 sweep. This victory showcased NAVI's growing dominance and synergy, leaving no doubt about their form heading deeper into the tournament.

Anubis: A Strong Start

NAVI started the series on paiN’s map pick, Anubis. Although the Brazilian team took an early 3-0 lead, NAVI quickly regained control. They went on to win 13 of the next 14 rounds, closing the map with a convincing 13-4 victory. NAVI's coordination and firepower were on full display, leaving paiN struggling to keep up.

Mirage: NAVI’s Fortress

Moving to Mirage, NAVI continued their assault with even more aggression. They completely dismantled paiN in the first half, setting the stage for another swift victory. With a final scoreline that mirrored their dominance on Anubis, NAVI secured the map and the series, advancing to the upper-bracket semi-final against Astralis. Impressively, this win extended NAVI's unbeaten streak on Mirage to a perfect 10-0 record.

Post-Match Reactions

After the match, NAVI's players and staff reflected on their performance. w0nderful, one of NAVI's rising stars, commented on the ease of the victory, saying, "We won without any real problems. It was probably the most boring game in the last six months." This sentiment was echoed by coach B1ad3, who emphasized the importance of long-term growth and synergy within the team. He stated, "We created this roster a year ago, and integrating our system takes time. But I see progress, and just like with our previous lineup in 2021, I’m confident we’re on the right track."

Looking Ahead

With this win, NAVI has secured a spot in the upper-bracket semi-final, where they will face Astralis. paiN, on the other hand, will need to regroup as they face a must-win match against 9z to stay in the tournament. NAVI's 10-0 win rate on Mirage further solidifies their status as a top contender in the IEM Cologne 2024, and fans eagerly anticipate their next match.

Stay tuned for more updates as NAVI continues their journey through the tournament.