The final week of VCT EMEA Stage 1 is only a few days away. One of the most anticipated matches of the week is the game between Gentle Mates and Team Liquid. A major reason is that the outcome of the match will decide the seeding of the teams in the playoff bracket.
Interestingly, the last time Gentle Mates faced off against Team Liquid was not during VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026, but instead it was at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026. The two teams faced off during the Swiss Stage of the tournament.
During this match, Gentle Mates got the win over Team Liquid with a 2-0 scoreline. Following this match, Team Liquid failed to make it to the playoffs while Gentle Mates got eliminated after losing to All Gamers.
Since they returned to VCT EMEA, both teams have been on quite an interesting trajectory during VCT EMEA Stage 1. Team Liquid has secured its spot in the playoffs after last week’s thrilling match against NAVI.
In comparison, Gentle Mates are still fighting for a chance to qualify for the playoffs of the tournament. With a 2-2 record, this match has become a do-or-die game for Gentle Mates.
For Team Liquid, they must win this match as if FUT Esports slips up, it could give Team Liquid the opportunity to finish 1st in the group. If they do, then they would receive a bye to the upper bracket semifinals, putting them two wins away from VALORANT Masters London qualification.
Image source: Riot Games
If we take a look at the pistol rounds between both teams, Team Liquid has a higher win probability against Gentle Mates. What fans must keep in mind is that between the two teams, Gentle Mates are much more efficient on thrifty rounds.
Gentle Mates do have the mental advantage going into this game, as in the previous two matches, they defeated Team Liquid with ease.
One player that must be on everyone’s radar is Martin “Marteen” Pátek. In the previous fixture between these two teams, he showcased an MVP-like performance with an ACS of 319.
Gentle Mates will be hoping that Marteen can perform in a similar manner this time as well to help the team qualify for the playoffs. During this tournament, Gentle Mates have had a 63.0% success rate on securing the first kill in the round. This has resulted in the team getting the man advantage, but it hasn’t been able to capitalize on it.
If we take a look at the map veto, we predict that the maps of Bind and Breeze might be banned by both teams. Interestingly, both teams have the same Valorant odds to win this match.
Our prediction for this game is that Gentle Mates will come out as the winner of this game with a 2-1 scoreline. The reason for this is due to the fact that we believe that they will win the first map, but TL will win the second map with ease. It must be stated that we do feel this game will go to three maps due to what is at stake for both teams.
Also read: Global Esports make historic VCT Pacific playoffs debut after years of setbacks
Featured image source: Riot Games
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