Yuurih wins four clutches as FURIA beat 9z in Cologne

FURIA defeated 9z at LANXESS Arena during the IEM Cologne Major playoffs. Yuri ‘yuurih’ Santos turned several late-round duels on Mirage, winning four clutches that helped secure the map and advance FURIA in the playoff bracket.

After the match, yuurih described the Mirage pistol round as chaotic but decisive. He said he expected an opponent on stairs in a 2v1, took the angle and felt the round was won, then acknowledged later errors that cost a force-buy.

On his overall form, yuurih acknowledged a decline on Terrorist side since the start of the year. He noted that last year he was the team’s strongest T-side player but has struggled this season, while his Counter-Terrorist play has remained solid. Improving his T-side impact is his stated priority.

The victory keeps FURIA on the same side of the bracket that yuurih called comparatively easier, though he cautioned there are still strong opponents ahead. FURIA’s next match is against Aurora; he described Aurora as “a really good team” performing well at the Major and said the upcoming match will be tough but winnable.

Yuurih also referenced the team’s recent reliance on clutch rounds, pointing to last season’s results and runs earlier in 2025. He noted that winning important duels has helped the squad produce deep finishes against top opponents.

FURIA will face Aurora the following day at the IEM Cologne Major, aiming to build on the win over 9z and on yuurih’s returning form.