In Cologne, Brazilian powerhouse FURIA showcased true strength and resilience, defeating G2 Esports 2–0 in the Group A lower-bracket final at IEM Cologne 2025. This victory wasn’t just another step forward in the tournament — it was a loud statement of revenge for their earlier humiliation, as just a few days ago G2 had beaten the “Panthers” 2–0 and sent them down to the lower bracket. This time, the Brazilians didn’t just return the favor — they did it decisively and in style.
The teams’ road through the tournament
FURIA started IEM Cologne 2025 with a crushing defeat to G2 (0–2), but regrouped in time and went on a confident run with wins over Falcons (2–1) and Astralis (2–0), before setting up this revenge match against G2 — where they played their best Counter-Strike of the season.
G2, on the other hand, came in strong: they swept FURIA (2–0) and 3DMAX (2–0) early and looked like group favorites. But a loss to Vitality in between those wins left some doubts, and by the time they faced FURIA again, they no longer had the fire that fueled their early matches.
The revenge that changed everything
The first clash between these teams at the tournament was a one-sided affair — G2 dominated FURIA, controlling every aspect of the game. Many expected a repeat, but Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s squad learned their lesson, adjusted their approach, and came in with the perfect game plan.
On Dust2, FURIA’s pick, it was clear from the start that this was a different team: aggressive entries, precise decision-making, and iron discipline. G2 looked unsettled as FURIA claimed the map 13–6. On Inferno, G2 tried to fight back, but the Brazilians held firm, sealing a dramatic 16–14 win and closing the series 2–0 — collecting their revenge and booking a ticket to the quarter-finals.
Dust2 – domination from the opening seconds (13–6 FURIA)
From the very first rounds, molody and YEKINDAR seized key map zones, won the opening duels, and stripped G2 of control. FURIA’s attack was relentless — splitting A, bursting B, and forcing the Europeans into reactive, panicked rotations. G2 had no answers, and the half ended 9–3, effectively sealing the map’s fate.
Inferno – a battle to the very last round (16–14 FURIA)
On the second map, G2 woke up and fought hard: malbsMd won critical duels, and huNter- tried to stabilize the defense. But FURIA stayed colder under pressure. FalleN called a flawless game, adjusting attacks on the fly, while molody shut down every attempt at a comeback.
The turning point came with a pair of clutch plays from molody — each one breaking G2’s momentum and confidence. With those kills, the map — and the series — belonged to FURIA.
Player stats for the match
FURIA: the return of a champion’s spirit
FURIA hit the server with relentless energy and belief — and it showed from the opening rounds. The Brazilians looked like a team that had studied their mistakes from the first meeting with G2 and rebuilt their approach to take them down convincingly.
Danil “molody” Golubenko (46–21, 1.50 rating) was the hero of the match — his fearless aggression on Dust2 created space, and his composure on Inferno closed out the tightest rounds. Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis (43–30, 1.42 rating) added constant pressure across the map, breaking G2’s defenses before they could settle.
KSCERATO secured key zones, w0nderful provided vital support kills, and FalleN’s experience tied it all together — calm calls and sharp reads kept FURIA disciplined yet fearless.
This was vintage FURIA — passionate, precise, and unshakably confident when it mattered most.
G2: stopping at the worst moment
For G2, this wasn’t just a defeat — it was a gut punch at the worst time.
Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa (41–39, 1.22 rating) was one of the few bright spots, battling for space and clutching key rounds. But beyond him, the lineup looked flat: MATYS and huNter- lost duels they normally convert, while Álvaro “SunPayus” García (17–33, 0.54 rating) had almost no impact at all.
G2 seemed stuck in their earlier game plan, expecting the same FURIA they crushed days ago. They couldn’t adapt to the reinvigorated aggression that FalleN’s squad brought — and that failure didn’t just cost them the series, it ended their run entirely.
Player of the Match – Danil “molody” Golubenko
Molody didn’t just have a great series — he defined the series. His 46–21 K/D, 1.50 rating, and 83.2 ADR tell the statistical story, but the impact went far beyond numbers.
On Dust2, Molody’s confidence was unmatched: he won nearly every opening duel, created constant space for his team, and made G2’s defense look powerless. On Inferno, when the rounds became tighter and the pressure mounted, Molody stepped up again — delivering crucial multikills and clutch moments that broke G2’s comeback attempts and crushed their spirit.
This wasn’t simply a standout performance — it was the kind of MVP-caliber display that sets the tone for an entire team and cements Molody as the face of FURIA’s resurgence.
What’s next?
FURIA advances to the IEM Cologne 2025 quarter-finals, looking like a team no one will want to face. They’ve shown they can take a beating — and come back stronger.
G2, meanwhile, bow out here. Cologne proved that even a star-studded roster needs consistency and adaptability to thrive.
FURIA is back in the fight. G2 leave the stage — and that’s the defining drama of the IEM Cologne 2025 lower bracket.
