M80 have kicked off their BLAST Open Porto campaign with mixed results, claiming a notable upset victory against Natus Vincere before narrowly losing 0-2 to FURIA in a series that went to overtime on Cache.
Elias 's1n' Stein expressed satisfaction with his team's showing despite the defeat. The squad's Cache performance particularly impressed him, marking their first official match on the map. M80 secured a strong terrorist side and started well on the counter-terrorist half, building a significant lead before things unraveled.
'We had 12 or 11 rounds already, and then it was 5-3, something like that, and after that we kind of fell apart,' s1n explained. 'We definitely should have closed this game.' He emphasized the importance of reviewing their communications to understand what went wrong mentally after losing crucial rounds.
The Dust2 map proved challenging as FURIA's chaotic playstyle, amplified by YEKINDAR's aggressive positioning, overwhelmed M80. S1n noted it felt like déjà vu, as they've struggled against FURIA's unpredictable approach before.
Regarding Cache selection, s1n revealed his long-standing fondness for the map from his ESEA Main days and suggested a German player connection, noting BIG's frequent Cache play and Germany's use of it during Esports Nations Cup qualifiers.
The Natus Vincere victory injected significant confidence into the roster. 'After yesterday we felt that maybe an era is starting,' s1n joked, adding that the win reinforced their belief in competing at tier one level.
Looking ahead to their lower bracket match against Aurora, s1n sees an opportunity for redemption after their earlier 13-9, 13-9 loss at Esports World Cup. With renewed confidence and improved pistol rounds, he believes M80 can approach the rematch with pride and secure victory.
