The match between Rooster and BIG in ESL Pro League Season 20 was a real test for the team from Oceania. It was expected that Rooster, who earlier showed a hard game against MOUZ, would be able to offer serious competition to the Germans. But in reality, the team from Australia couldn't handle the pressure and BIG easily proved their superiority on all fronts.
For Rooster, this match was a chance to show themselves on the world stage, but the result was just a confirmation that the team is not ready to fight with the European grandees on equal terms.
Expectations and history of the rivalry
Rooster, a team from Oceania, made it to the bottom of Group C after a loss to MOUZ where they were close to sensational. However, the match against BIG was to be a tougher test, as the German team is known for their high level of play and years of experience at major tournaments. Rooster had a chance to rehabilitate themselves, but BIG's defense on the first map immediately showed that the German team has no intention to give any chances for success.
Defeat on Mirage and struggle on Nuke
Rooster chose Mirage, but this decision did not play to their advantage. BIG dominated on defense, winning 11 rounds in a row. It wasn't until the very end of the first half that a triple kill from chelleos earned Rooster their only round. Despite Rooster taking the pistol round in the second half, BIG quickly closed out the game with a 13-2 score.
The second map, Nuke, started more encouragingly for Rooster. Duels from asap led to a quad-kill and a pistol round takedown. The first half of the game ended in a draw, but Rooster could not maintain that momentum in the second half of the game. BIG quickly regained control of the map and finished the match with a score of 13-8, registering a solid 2-0 win in the series.
Conclusion
The defeat sends Rooster to the last chance stage where they will meet the losing team in the Astralis - Complexity match. This will be their last chance to continue in the tournament and they will have to seriously rethink their strategy if they want to avoid elimination.
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