MOUZ continue to show phenomenal consistency at major events: in the Group B upper bracket quarter-final of IEM Cologne 2025, they confidently beat Team Liquid 2–0. This was not just a win for a semi-final spot, but also another reminder of their dominance in this matchup — Liquid once again failed to get revenge for their painful loss at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where they also fell to MOUZ (1–2 in the series).
Match flow: full control from MOUZ
Inferno (13:7 for MOUZ)
Liquid started the series on their pick, hoping Inferno would be the key to a comeback in this matchup. But the first half already made it clear that MOUZ had other plans: 10:2 and total dominance thanks to torzsi and xertioN. Even though Liquid managed to close the gap slightly after the side switch (three quick rounds), MOUZ quickly sealed the deal — 13:7.
Train (13:9 for MOUZ)
On Train, MOUZ’s pick, the battle was tighter. Liquid tried to turn things around — ultimate and NertZ found crucial frags, and the 6:6 first-half score offered some hope. But after the switch, xertioN took control of the game, while torzsi closed a series of decisive rounds, carrying MOUZ to a clean 2–0 victory.
Player stats
MOUZ: a team in full stride
MOUZ are on the rise — this win over Liquid marked their fourth in the last five series (the only loss being to Vitality). The team looks cohesive, and the individual form of their players is impressive:
- Dorian “xertioN” Berman (35–24, 1.38 rating, 95.6 ADR) was the engine of the team, winning duels and closing out clutch rounds.
- Ádám “torzsi” Torzsás (36–21, 1.34 rating) looked ruthless with the AWP, denying Liquid any chance to take map control.
- Jimpphat (33–24, 1.22 rating) provided steady support, adding stability in the mid-rounds.
Liquid: progress, but MOUZ are still stronger
Liquid came into this match hoping for revenge for Austin Major, and their recent form wasn’t terrible (wins over FlyQuest and paiN). But against MOUZ they once again looked outclassed in the key moments.
- Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak (30–31, 1.11 rating) tried to lead the team, winning opening duels and injecting energy.
- Guy “NertZ” Iluz (31–30, 1.07 rating) was steady, but it wasn’t enough.
- siuhy (20–36, 0.63 rating) struggled — his mid-round calls often fell flat against MOUZ’s disciplined play.
Player of the Match
Dorian “xertioN” Berman deservedly earned MVP honors, finishing the series with 35–24 K/D, a 1.38 rating, and 95.6 ADR. He was the true locomotive of MOUZ:
- On Inferno, he won key opening duels, dismantling any Liquid plans.
- On Train, xertioN delivered clutch plays and initiated defensive pushes that shut down Liquid’s comeback hopes.
His game was the perfect blend of aggression and discipline — a showcase of how one player’s form can lift an entire team.
What’s next?
MOUZ move on to the IEM Cologne 2025 upper bracket semi-finals, where they’ll face tougher opposition and have a chance to cement their status as one of the tournament favorites.
Liquid drop into the lower bracket. Their revenge against MOUZ never came — and now, to stay alive at IEM Cologne, they’ll have to play with no room for error.
