Spirit beat G2 2-1 in marathon to reach Cologne semis

Spirit defeated G2 in the IEM Cologne quarter-final at LANXESS Arena, winning the best-of-three series 2-1 to advance to the semifinals and secure a top-four finish at the event.

The series opened on Overpass, where G2 took control and closed the map 13-9. G2’s T-side posted a strong first half, and Nikita Martynenko (HeavyGod) converted a 1v2 that helped seal rounds. Spirit managed three entry kills in the half and G2 converted several force-buys on defense to finish the map.

Dust2 saw an early G2 lead after HeavyGod opened the map with a four-kill round on B to push the score to 4-0. Spirit responded as Danil Kryshkovets (donk) began to impact rounds. Individual plays from Hunter, Álvaro SunPayus García and HeavyGod kept G2 competitive, but donk finished a late 1v2 to secure Dust2 for Spirit at 16-14. Nemanja Kovač (huNter-) attempted a 3v5 turnaround in added time but the map closed for Spirit.

Mirage produced extended play. Matúš Šimko (MATYS) led G2’s offense in the first half with 17 kills and a 122 ADR, putting G2 ahead 8-4 at the break. Play was halted for a technical pause after HeavyGod experienced a game crash. After play resumed, Spirit forced overtime by winning three straight rounds in regulation.

Overtime on Mirage continued through four extra periods. Boris Vorobiev (magixx) recorded a 1v4 clutch in overtime and MATYS produced a late 1v2, but Spirit completed the decider 25-22. The LANXESS Arena crowd witnessed multiple high-pressure clutches and repeated lead changes before the final round.

Stat lines reflected the series’ tight nature. Spirit’s donk finished with 81 kills, an 87.9 ADR and a 1.32 rating. Dmitry Sokolov (sh1ro) had 75 kills and a 74.4 ADR with a 1.04 rating. For G2, MATYS recorded 71 kills, a 72.9 ADR and a 1.19 rating, while HeavyGod had 60 kills and a 76.6 ADR with a 1.08 rating. Guy Iluz (NertZ) ended with 53 kills and a 0.84 rating for G2.

With the win Spirit advance to the IEM Cologne semifinals and G2 exit at the quarter-final stage. The series included a lengthy overtime on Mirage and a technical interruption during play.