In the Group A decider match, the Portuguese team SAW defeated FURIA 2–1, sending the Brazilians home before the playoffs. The match had it all — nerves, clutches, record-breaking performances from KSCERATO and Ag1l, a rough series from YEIKINDAR, yuurih shining on Ancient, and clutch shots from story in overtime. This wasn’t just a win — it was the brightest moment for Portuguese CS in 2025.
Context: Do-or-die in Group A
Group A of FISSURE Playground 1 was turbulent from day one. GamerLegion took the lead and secured a playoff spot early, but the battle for the second ticket was intense.
- SAW opened the tournament by defeating FURIA (2–0), but then lost to GamerLegion (0–2).
- FURIA, after losing to SAW in their opener, recovered with a clean sweep against Wildcard (2–0), setting up a revenge match.
Both teams sat at 1–1. The decider was a true elimination match — win or go home.
Ancient — 22:19 for SAW
The thriller began with a tightly contested map. SAW took the first half 10–7, but FURIA clawed back to force overtime. In the extra rounds, it was SAW who held their nerve and closed it out 22–19.
- First kills: dead even — 20:20
- Clutches: 3–2 in favor of FURIA, but it wasn’t enough
- story and MUTiRiS came up big in OT
It was a demoralizing finish for the Brazilians after such a tense comeback.
Train — 13:8 for FURIA
This was the KSCERATO show, a reminder of why he’s one of the most dangerous riflers in the world. He delivered 28 kills, 132.3 ADR, and two clutch wins that powered a dominant FURIA response.
SAW tried to pressure the A site, but FURIA’s structure and KSCERATO’s aggression in late rounds proved too much.
Inferno — 13:10 for SAW
The final map turned into a psychological brawl. SAW claimed the first half 8–4 on CT side, showing immense discipline. FURIA attempted a comeback, reaching 10 rounds, but Ag1l took over with critical kills.
Despite a 14–9 edge in opening duels, FURIA failed to convert their advantages. Disjointed utility usage and poor mid-round decisions cost them dearly.
Player of the Match — KSCERATO
Despite the loss, Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato was the standout player of the series. His individual brilliance was unmatched across all three maps:
- 70 kills — the highest tally of the tournament so far
- 13 opening kills, 92.1 ADR, 1.30 rating
- Constant impact on both CT and T sides
KSCERATO did everything he could. He opened rounds, created space, held bombsites alone, and consistently dealt damage. His game was aggressive yet intelligent — a shining light in a losing effort.
This was the classic “carry performance” — when one player tries to drag his team forward, but the support just isn’t there.
Player statistics for the match
FURIA crash out: another disappointing LAN
This marks the second major LAN in a row where FURIA failed to escape the group stage. Even KSCERATO’s brilliance couldn’t save the team. YEIKINDAR ended with a 0.84 rating, and newcomer molodoy looked shaky under pressure.
Despite the roster’s potential, FURIA appear tired, disjointed, and lacking a clear strategic identity. It’s a serious warning sign ahead of IEM Cologne.
SAW: Composure, character, and a playoff spot
SAW aren’t full of superstars, but their CS is calculated, disciplined, and coordinated. Their ability to handle pressure on Ancient and Inferno speaks volumes. They didn’t rely on luck — they outplayed their opponent when it mattered most.
Now, they move into the quarterfinals. The opponents will be stronger — but SAW have already shown they’re not afraid of anything.
