Legacy’s road to the gauntlet is on a knifes edge this week, after a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Chiefs in the Oceanic Pro League’s very own El-Classico.
In game one, Legacy locked in a 1-3-1 composition, featuring two strong solo lanes with Mimic on Camille and Claire on Ryze.
During the early game, both teams went blow for blow and a duel between Claire and Ryoma at three minutes ended with both mid-laners dead.
However, the Chiefs were able to apply pressure across the entire map and began to pull away due to some unsuccessful plays by Legacy.
The game was still salvageable at 20 minutes, but an attempt to catch out the Chiefs in the jungle was turned around and top laner Swip3rR landed a massive equalizer ultimate to swing the fight.
With the momentum now firmly in hand, the Chiefs took baron and broke Legacy’s base in two places to take the match.
In game two, Legacy put their eggs into the Mimic basket, picking him powerful split pusher, Fiora.
Mimic set out a determined man, securing first blood in the opening minutes, before following up a minute later by helping Only kill Swip3rR under turret.
Despite Mimic’s strong plays and growing lead, the Chiefs successfully forced five-on-five team fights again and again, nullifying his potential to split push and duel.
The Chiefs snuck baron at 20 minutes and were able to start snowballing a lead from there, slowly accruing turrets, kills and gold, continuously grouping to nullify Mimic.
The deathblow came at 34 minutes as Ryoma flashed forward, catching out Claire, Decoy and Only to take the series 2-0.
Now sitting outside the top five on nine points, next week’s match is do or die.
A 2-0 win over Mammoth will propel Legacy into the gauntlet, but dropping a single game will see the boys miss finals for the first time in Legacy’s history.
Legacy are looking forward to the challenge that awaits them on Friday, and will be working hard in the lead up to ensure it happens.
Tune in for the climatic match against Mammoth Esports, Friday from 7pm AEST at www.twitch.tv/opl.
– Written by Luke Radford
