In the upper bracket quarterfinal at IEM Cologne 2025, two top-tier teams — FaZe and Liquid — clashed in a high-stakes match. The winner would secure a direct spot in the main stage, while the loser would fall to the lower bracket with no more room for error. After three maps of intense action, it was FaZe who came out on top with a 2-1 victory.
Battle for the second stage
Map veto:
- Mirage — Liquid’s pick
- Inferno — FaZe’s pick
- Nuke — decider
On Mirage, their own map pick, Liquid looked surprisingly weak. Despite having a higher win rate (50%) than FaZe (33%), they failed to capitalize and lost the map 13:6.
Inferno saw a much-needed resurgence from Liquid. After a balanced 6:6 first half, they stepped up on the T side and claimed the map 13:10, tying the series.
But the decider — Nuke — was a one-sided affair. FaZe dominated the first half 10:2, and closed out the second half quickly and decisively. The final score — 13:2 — sealed the series in FaZe’s favor.
With a 2-1 win, FaZe secured their place in the main stage of IEM Cologne 2025.
Standout performers
broky, FaZe’s AWPer, who recently returned to the active roster after a stint on the bench, delivered a confident performance with 49 kills, the highest in the match.
Despite the loss, EliGE from Liquid was the most effective player in terms of damage, posting an 85.7 ADR and a 1.39 rating, reaffirming his importance to the team’s firepower.
Looking ahead
With this win, FaZe lock in their spot in the second stage of IEM Cologne 2025, overcoming Liquid in the decisive upper bracket match. Despite dropping Inferno, they looked much more composed on their strong maps and maintained control in crucial moments. For broky, it was a special comeback, proving he still has what it takes to lead the team on their road to the playoffs.
Liquid, on the other hand, will get one last chance to reach the main stage. Tomorrow, they will face FlyQuest — a lower bracket contender that has already shown strong form. It will be a do-or-die match for both sides, with no second chances.
While FaZe prepare for the group stage, Liquid must now focus on the most important match of their tournament — because there’s no road left after this.
