Spirit have booked their place in the BLAST Open Porto playoffs following a commanding 2-0 series victory over G2. The Russian team will now head to Portugal to battle in the top six at the Super Bock Arena after winning Dust2 13-6 and Cache 13-9.
The action began on Spirit's Dust2 selection, where the EWC title holders dominated their terrorist side. Despite falling behind 0-3 early, Spirit stormed back with six consecutive bomb plants to seize a 6-3 advantage. They continued their momentum with three elimination victories, building a substantial 9-3 halftime cushion. After switching sides, Spirit maintained control despite G2 claiming three rounds, ultimately closing the map 13-6 through superior firepower in gun rounds.
Cache saw Matúš "MATYS" Šimko open G2's defense with a USP triple kill in the pistol, but Spirit again proved too strong, establishing an 8-4 halftime lead. Danil "donk" Kryshkovets delivered a spectacular performance, including an ace on B site after securing two smoke kills in Mid, pushing Spirit to an 11-6 advantage. A clever counter-boost play in Mid allowed donk to catch two G2 players off-guard during their utility setup, bringing Spirit to match point at 12-7. Spirit sealed the deal shortly after, finishing Cache 13-9.
G2 remain alive in the competition despite this setback, as it marks their first group stage loss. They'll face either Natus Vincere or paiN in the Group A lower bracket semi-final on Sunday. Meanwhile, Spirit advance to face the M80 versus FURIA winner in the Group A upper bracket final.
