Team Liquid gets revenge on G2 Esports for MSI Finals at Rift Rivals 2019

Team Liquid embarked on a critical mission to restore the LCS’s competitive standing during Rift Rivals 2019, following disappointing regional performances that had damaged North American credibility on the international stage.

Day two featured a highly anticipated rematch of the Mid-Season Invitational grand finals, where Team Liquid sought redemption against European champions G2 Esports. Beyond the personal rivalry, this confrontation carried additional weight as Liquid attempted to rescue the LCS from the precarious position created by their rough opening day results.

G2 Esports, staying true to their innovative playstyle, selected an unconventional team composition featuring Martin “Wunder” Hansen on Shyvana and Luka “Perkz” Perković playing Zed in the top lane. Team Liquid countered by returning to their reliable Sona and Taric combination, while surprising analysts by drafting Sejuani for Jung “Impact” Eon-yong’s top lane assignment.

Strategic drafting represents one of the most critical skills in competitive League of Legends. Teams must balance comfort picks with counter-strategies while considering power spikes and team fight synergy. G2’s approach emphasized early lane pressure and split-push potential, while Liquid’s composition focused on sustained team fighting and objective control.

Unlike Cloud9’s performance on day one, Team Liquid demonstrated the capability to match G2’s characteristically high tempo gameplay. At the seven-minute mark, an explosive ten-player team fight erupted in the bottom lane, though it ultimately resulted in only a single elimination exchange.

During the initial phase, Team Liquid struggled with insufficient damage output, which G2 capitalized on by grouping effectively and applying lane pressure. The European squad systematically expanded their map control and built a substantial gold advantage, but Liquid maintained composure and optimized their limited territorial control.

Early game resource management often determines mid-game opportunities. Teams facing gold deficits must identify win conditions while minimizing further losses through calculated risk-taking and precise objective timing.

The North American representatives maintained their momentum and gradually secured tactical advantages, though they operated within a narrow timeframe to capitalize on their momentum. Failure to convert their positioning into a conclusive victory would have allowed G2 to overwhelm them in the later stages.

As pressure mounted, Team Liquid expertly utilized their crowd control capabilities during a crucial river confrontation. The healing and shielding from the Sona-Taric combination, combined with Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen’s Akali damage output, proved sufficient to eliminate four G2 combatants.

Mid-game transitions require precise execution of power spikes and objective control. Teams must identify when to force engagements versus when to prioritize resource accumulation and vision establishment.

Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski remained as the sole survivor but couldn’t prevent Team Liquid from securing the Baron Nashor buff. Liquid promptly initiated their concluding assault and achieved a satisfying triumph moments later.

Closing games effectively requires understanding win conditions and executing with precision. Teams must balance aggression with calculated risk, ensuring they don’t throw away hard-earned advantages through overextension or poor objective prioritization. For comprehensive strategic guidance, see our Complete Guide to advanced gameplay mechanics.

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