Cover-Credits:
Following its fifth consecutive series victory in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Western Europe (WEU) 2021-22 Tour 1: Division 1, Team Liquid has become the first team to qualify for the first Major of the season. The fifth series win came against Team Secret by a score of 2-1. Achieving this feat was a long and arduous process for Team Liquid as Team Secret led all three laning phases and it seemed like Team Secret could achieve victory in any of the matches, but it only won the second game. Team Liquid showed some impressive teamfight execution in its first and third games, whereas Team Secret was not as effective, allowing the former to win both bouts in a grueling series of matches that spanned longer than 50 minutes.
Team Secret vs Team Liquid: Match Recap and Highlights
Recap
In game 1, Team Secret established an early lead on the strength of its excellent laning, but opted not to accelerate, despite having a safelane Luna, an Io, and an offlane Beastmaster. While both teams kept on farming, MATUMBAMAN's Bristleback finally bought an Aghanim's Scepter, allowing him to run into enemies. Teamfights started to favor Team Liquid and it seemed like victory was within its grasp due to all the space that was made available, but Team Secret somehow managed to keep its head above water. After nerve-wracking fights, numerous buybacks, creep cutting, and Rapiers, it was Team Liquid who eventually emerged victorious after 58 minutes.
During game 2, both teams delivered frequent blows, but Team Liquid slowly lost steam as the match progressed further, primarily due to its draft lacking good damage output. Although zai caught many enemies with his Ravages, the team was unable to win its encounters. Team Secret, on the other hand, applied the right amount of control and damage to win the game in 41 minutes.
Game 3 was comparatively slower, with both teams being content with their farming. Although MATUMBAMAN, on a safelane Slardar, was doing well to keep up with the farm, Team Secret clearly gained a networth advantage with an Io, safelane Shadow Fiend, and an offlane Doom. Despite the annoying split pushing from Team Liquid, Team Secret was able to take down two barracks, putting them in a good position in the game. But Team Liquid fought back through some exemplary teamfighting to turn the game around. MATUMBAMAN's attack speed was so high that he was constantly bashing Team Secret’s heroes, leading Team Liquid to win the game in 52 minutes.
Highlights
Here are some highlights of the series.
Team Liquid may not have had the most glorious game victories like some other teams in the event, but it has fought hard and shown resolve to secure the complete series victory. After securing five wins, the team has assured itself a position in the top three, and will definitely participate in the first Major of the year. In the remaining series, Team Liquid will take on Nigma Galaxy and Alliance. Both these teams have not been in the best of form so far, so Team Liquid will be looking to extend its winning streak.
Team Secret has had a tumultuous start to the DPC 2021-22. The team, which is filled with Dota 2 superstars, has had some dominating wins, but at times has also looked lackluster, particularly so during teamfights. Team Secret now has two wins and three losses after five series.
In the WEU region, Dota 2 action will resume on 5th Jan 2022 after the DPC completes its break over Christmas and the New Year.
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