The group stage of the European League of Legends league (LEC) is over. In the last game, the favorite team Team Vitality, led by player Luka “Perkz” Perković, faced the German team SK Gaming. Until now, the Germans haven’t been convincing, but against the stars, they showed what they can do.
How did the games unfold? The match day between Team Vitality (VIT) and SK Gaming (SK) was played in a best-of-3 format. This means the first team to secure two victories wins the match day.
In the first game between VIT and SK, both teams fought hard for every kill and every neutral objective. SK’s jungler Mark “Markoon” van Woensel managed to steal the Baron Nashor in minute 34, giving his team the opportunity to not fall too far behind.
After a fierce battle in minute 39, SK secured the victory in the game and thus the match point. You can find the decisive fight in this video starting at minute 9:10:
In the second game, SK completely dominated. They didn’t shy away from any fight and managed to emerge victorious from them. Only in minute 21 did Team Vitality manage to secure their first kill.
In the final fight between the Nexus towers, the players of SK gave up a second kill, which they exchanged for the match day victory. Team Vitality could not execute their game plan and were maneuvered out from the start in the second game.
The best of the best meet in the world championship. Here we have a first impression:
What’s next for Team Vitality? After even Fnatic did not make it to the group stage, Team Vitality will now be eliminated from the tournament before the playoffs. The winners of the regular season are denied the chance for an early qualification for the “Finals” tournament.
Player Perkz, however, is taking the defeat very calmly. On Twitter, he shares an apology to his fans and speaks with confidence that there are still 7 months until the qualifications for the world championship:
The players now have the chance to continue to mesh in preparation for the upcoming spring season and further develop their strengths. With the next patches, a lot will change in the jungle, which will influence the dynamics, especially in professional games.
Meanwhile, SK’s jungler is celebrating the victory and shares his ambitions on Twitter:
What does the community think about the match? On Twitter and in the post-game discussion on reddit, the match is being discussed afterward. Viewers are surprised by the clear victory shown by SK.
- User _tidiber writes: “That SK made it into the top 4 was definitely not on my bingo card. Well played, SK!”
- dovahkonj1 also says: “Very well played by SK, congratulations. But where was Vitality? That was embarrassing” (via reddit).
On the other hand, the users are not so surprised that Team Vitality could not secure the victory. User vnducco writes: “One thing is for sure. When it matters, Vitality disappoints not to disappoint” (via reddit).
Twitter users, on the other hand, are convinced this was just a phase and that Team Vitality will come back, because “Champs don’t give up” (via Twitter).
Now the question arises whether Team Vitality will manage to find themselves again and showcase their skills with old strength in the next split.
What do you think about Team Vitality’s early exit, and do you think they could have done something differently? Let us know in the comments.
If you want to read more about teams from the German competitive LoL scene, we have something for you here: LoL: 24-year-old is the first woman to play in the top German league – Who is Sayna?
