Neither team has received much attention compared to some of the bigger names in Stage 1, yet both arrive in the advancement matches with a perfect 2-0 record. M80 took care of Lynn Vision and Sharks, while B8 beat TYLOO before surviving a tougher test against THUNDER dOWNUNDER. The Ukrainian side has arguably been one of the most convincing teams in Cologne so far.

The move to best-of-three favors B8 even more. Their map pool has looked deeper throughout the season, and they’ve consistently performed well against stronger opposition than M80. The previous meeting between these teams came at the Budapest Major last year, where B8 edged a close best-of-one, but this feels like a different challenge entirely. M80 have enough firepower to keep maps competitive, though B8’s stronger map pool and slightly better form in recent months should give them the advantage over a full series. Unless M80 find another level on Day 2, B8 look well positioned to become the first team through to Stage 2.