In the playoffs of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, we're set for a clash between The Mongolz and Astralis. The Mongolz confidently advanced through the group stage with a score of 3-0, while the Danes had to overcome a challenging path through a 3-2 format. Both teams have shown commendable performances in past tournaments, but who will emerge stronger in this match? In this material, we will analyze the current form of the teams and predict which maps might prove decisive in the series.

Current Team Form

The Mongolz

The Mongolz are displaying impressive form at the current tournament stage. The team's average rating over the last month is 6.1, which corresponds to a high level of play. A successful performance at IEM Katowice 2025, where they reached the semifinals, underscores their stability. At PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, they went through the group stage without losses, finishing with a 3-0 score.

In the last month, The Mongolz have won four out of five matches, defeating teams like paiN, Wildcard, Complexity, and Eternal Fire. The only loss was to a strong Vitality, which indicates serious competition which the team is successfully dealing with.

Astralis

Astralis also have an average rating of 6.1 over the last month, although their tournament results are less stable. At IEM Katowice 2025, they managed to make it to the main stage through the Play-in, but finished their participation at the semifinals of the lower bracket. At BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier and IEM Dallas 2025 European Qualifier, they did not achieve significant success, although they secured a slot in the qualifier for BLAST Open Spring 2025. At PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, Astralis reached the playoffs with difficulty, having a 3-2 score in the group stage.

In the last five matches, Astralis claimed three victories (BIG, MIBR, and SAW), but lost to HEROIC and Falcons.

Team Map Pool

The Mongolz will likely ban Train since this map is not among their preferences, whereas Astralis, following their strategy, will remove Anubis. When choosing a map, The Mongolz might settle on Mirage or Ancient, as Astralis struggle on these maps, and the Mongols show a good win rate there. Astralis, on the other hand, will probably choose Inferno, where they feel confident. Then The Mongolz might exclude Nuke to deprive Astralis of comfort, while the Danes will remove Dust II, not wanting to play against the strong win rate of the opponent. In the end, the deciding map is likely to be Overpass, where both teams have some experience, but neither has a clear advantage.

Match Prediction

The Mongolz appear more confident in the current tournament due to their stability and strong performance in the group stage. Their play on maps with high win rates, such as Mirage and Anubis, can be the key to victory.

Astralis, despite inconsistent results, remain a dangerous opponent thanks to their experience and ability to adapt to the opponent's strategies. However, their form in the tournament and recent defeats could work against them.

Prediction: 2:0 in favor of The Mongolz.

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 will take place from February 14 to 23 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Sixteen teams are participating in the tournament with a prize pool of $1,250,000. You can follow the schedule and results of the event here.