Team Liquid vs EG at TI9 – Total Control and Destruction in Champion Style

The Match of the Year: Liquid vs EG Is Always More Than Just a Game

Team Liquid and Evil Geniuses are two of the oldest and most famous teams in the Dota 2 pro scene. Their meetings have always been accompanied by special tension, because it is not just a fight for points, but also for prestige. Each game between them becomes a real event, attracting the attention of thousands of viewers. EG approached the match after a defeat from PSG.LGD, which added additional motivation to the team. They understood that in order to restore their reputation, they needed to win. The Evil Geniuses roster, with a high level of individual skill and tactical flexibility, was always capable of delivering a powerful game, but this time they had to overcome not only the opponent, but also their own mistakes.

On the other hand, Liquid continued their upward path from below. The team, which had gained powerful form, demonstrated excellent coherence and understanding of the game. Their strategy was based on an aggressive start, which allowed them to control the pace of the match from the first minutes. Liquid’s positional play has always been top-notch, and they were determined to show their strength this time around. The previous encounters between the two teams had seen different playstyles. Liquid often relied on strong early pressure, while EG preferred a more cautious approach. However, in this encounter, both teams were ready to fight, and the expectations of the viewers were high. The strategies they chose were also predictable: EG were likely to focus on their cores, while Liquid could use their versatile players to create unexpected combinations.

The first game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain the upper hand. Every moment was critical, and the viewers could feel the tension building. Important battles took place around key objectives on the map: Roshan and the towers. Liquid used their strengths to block EG, but they, in turn, showed excellent positioning skills and split-second decision-making. When it came to the decisive moments of the match, EG showed great teamwork, which allowed them to take an important victory. This was especially valuable after their recent defeat. Their confidence increased and they were able to focus on the next games.

Liquid were not going to give up easily. In the return game, they quickly adapted and changed their strategy. By using a more aggressive style, they were able to take control of the lane and prevent EG from turning. This created additional opportunities for their heroes, and Liquid began to gain advantages. Throughout the series, both teams demonstrated a high level of play, passion, and skill. Each player fulfilled their role, which made the matches truly exciting. The spectators were delighted with every moment, from successful combinations to strategic thoughts. These matches not only highlight the level of play of the teams, but also create a tense atmosphere in which every mistake can cost the victory. Team Liquid and Evil Geniuses continue to be the strongest teams, and their confrontation will always be one of the most anticipated events on the Dota 2 scene.

Card 1 – Macro play discipline and calm annihilation

On the first map, Liquid had a balanced draft with Ember Spirit for Miracle-, Legion Commander for MC, and Lina from w33. EG drafted Naga Siren, who was supposed to split the map and enter the late game. The strategy of both teams was clear from the start: Liquid planned to dominate the early game, while EG expected a long and grueling game where their heroes could expand their advantage. From the very beginning of the match, Liquid started with aggressive actions in the lanes. Ember Spirit, having high mobility, was able to take the initiative and put pressure on the opponents. MC on Legion Commander also showed his skills, not giving the opponents time to breathe and creating opportunities for quick duels. This created a good tempo for Liquid, and they began to accumulate gold and experience, which allowed them to control the map.

EG, on the other hand, tried not to panic. They understood that their strategy took time. Naga Siren, although in a difficult situation, began to accumulate resources, using her illusions to farm. The important thing was that EG was able to keep their towers. This allowed them to maintain control of the map and continue to develop their strategy. By the mid-game, Liquid had already begun to dominate, and their advantage was becoming obvious. They controlled Roshan and regularly made raids on the lane, forcing EG to react. However, despite the pressure, EG did not lose hope. Their team began to collect the items needed to move into the late game, and Naga Siren gradually became more and more dangerous.

The key moment was the first big fight. Liquid tried to initiate the fight, but EG, thanks to good positioning, were able to repel the attack. Naga Siren used her ultimate to slow Liquid, and this gave EG the opportunity to counterattack. The fight ended with minimal losses for EG, which gave them a chance to recover. With each new battle, EG became more and more confident. Naga Siren began to actively use her illusions, which created additional problems for Liquid. They began to lose control of the map, and EG took advantage of this, trying to take important objects and take Roshan.

Gradually, the game reached a critical point: Liquid, although they had a temporary advantage, began to realize that EG could catch up with them. In the late stages of the game, EG organized several successful sorties, which allowed them to gain the upper hand. Naga Siren became a real threat, and Liquid were unable to cope with her pressure. The game ended unexpectedly: EG was able to not only bounce back, but also win, which was a real sensation. They demonstrated excellent teamwork and the ability to adapt to the situation, which allowed them to win an important victory. Liquid, although they looked strong at the beginning, were unable to capitalize on their advantage until the end. This game became a clear example of the importance of team coordination and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Each team showed their strengths, and the spectators witnessed an exciting fight that left a lot of emotions.

Map 2 – Meepo Takes the Stage

The second map was a real performance. Liquid took another risk — w33 picked Meepo, which was an unexpected move. This hero requires excellent control and understanding of the game, but in the hands of an experienced player it can tear apart any defense. EG, having put together a slow draft with Alchemist, could not find an answer to such an aggressive strategy. Their composition looked too passive against the pressure, which began already at the 5th minute. From the first minutes, Liquid began to actively use Meepo, who, thanks to his high mobility and ability to farm, quickly accumulated gold and experience. Each of his clones was used to pressure the lanes and create a threat for the enemy. w33 masterfully maneuvered, using illusions to farm and at the same time create problems for EG. This gave Liquid the opportunity to take first blood and strengthen their advantage. EG, in turn, began to realize that their strategy was not working. Alchemist, although strong in the late game, could not cope with the pressure that Liquid was exerting. In the first minutes, they lost several towers, which created a huge gap in the economy. Liquid controlled the map and actively used Roshan as a key object.

With each passing minute, the game became more and more tense for EG. They tried to organize a defense, but Liquid were one step ahead. Each lane entry ended with EG losing heroes, and their draft did not have time to adapt to the pace of the game. Meepo continued to accumulate advantages, and Liquid actively used their wins to further pressure. By the middle of the map, Liquid already had a significant advantage in gold and experience. Alchemist, although he was farming, could not catch up with Meepo, who by this point had already collected the main items. EG tried to organize counterattacks, but Liquid were one step ahead each time. They used their knowledge of the map and positioning to catch EG heroes one by one, which deprived them of a chance to recover. The key moment was the fight on Roshan. Liquid, aware of EG’s weakness, initiated the fight and, thanks to good coordination, were able to take Roshan and then several other heroes of the enemy. This finally broke EG’s spirit. Their plan to control the map collapsed, and Liquid continued to increase their advantage.