The second week of the VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 group stage is underway. In the first match of the week, Team Liquid will face off against BBL Esports. Below, we’ll analyze both teams’ current form and try to predict the outcome of the match.
Current Form
Team Liquid
Although few believed in the team, Team Liquid showed strong results at the start of the current season. The squad unexpectedly took 2nd place at VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, earning them a spot at Masters Bangkok 2025. While they placed 5th-6th at the event, it was still the best result among the 10 EMEA teams. Over their last five matches, Team Liquid secured only one win against Sentinels. The four losses came against G2 Esports, EDward Gaming, Team Vitality, and Gentle Mates.
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Team Liquid | 1 - 2 | Gentle Mates |
| Team Liquid | 0 - 2 | G2 Esports |
| Team Liquid | 2 - 1 | Sentinels |
| Team Liquid | 0 - 2 | EDward Gaming |
| Team Liquid | 2 - 3 | Team Vitality |
As mentioned, Team Liquid delivered surprisingly good performances compared to last season. This is likely due to the addition of three new players who have strengthened the team.
BBL Esports
On the other hand, BBL Esports have remained mostly unchanged since last season. The team placed 5th-6th at the VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, which was not enough to qualify for Masters—unlike their upcoming opponents. In their last five matches, BBL Esports secured wins over Fnatic, Karmine Corp, and GIANTX, but lost to Team Liquid and Team Heretics.
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
| BBL Esports | 2 - 1 | Karmine Corp |
| BBL Esports | 1 - 2 | Team Liquid |
| BBL Esports | 0 - 2 | Team Heretics |
| BBL Esports | 2 - 1 | Fnatic |
| BBL Esports | 2 - 1 | GIANTX |
BBL Esports are clearly a tier below their upcoming opponents and are considered a mid-tier team, or possibly even slightly below. As such, their chances in the upcoming match are slim.
Map Pool
Expected bans:
- Team Liquid will likely ban Fracture
- BBL Esports will likely ban Split
Expected picks:
- Team Liquid might choose Lotus
- BBL Esports could go for Icebox
Head-to-Head
The two teams have faced each other only once—at VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff. Team Liquid emerged victorious with a 2:1 score.
Match Prediction
While both teams were relatively equal in the past, current form suggests Team Liquid are the clear favorites. The roster changes have benefited the “horses,” and they now look like one of the top teams in the EMEA region. A win for them seems very likely.
Predicted score: Team Liquid 2:0 BBL Esports
VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 is taking place from March 26 to May 18 in LAN format at Riot Games Arena in Berlin. Twelve partnered VCT EMEA teams are competing for three spots at Masters Toronto, as well as EMEA Points necessary to qualify for the upcoming World Championship.
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