The Recap: EU LCS Week 2
Riot·6/2/2014, 6:20:52 PM·0 votes·483 views
EU LCS Week 2 ended in standard European LoL style: with more questions than answers. While Alliance looked strong, Millenium failed to secure a victory. Fnatic looked up-and-down again, while SK Gaming played great despite the mixed results. Wherever there is a team with positive momentum (Gambit Gaming), another continues to puzzle (ROCCAT). All in all, it was a standard week in the EU LCS landscape.
Unfortunately for them, one bad engagement from SK Gaming decided the match. After CandyPanda dropped, it was a matter of cleanup for the Tabzz, as Alliance aced their opponents and pushed for the victory.
Millenium vs. Fnatic
Millenium failed to capture their Super Week form, and the veteran Fnatic took advantage of it.
The first ripple of momentum went Fnatic's way during a clash at Baron. In addition to securing the buff, Fnatic also took four kills and the lead in the game. Millenium would fight back with better rotations and trades, but Fnatic's Enrique "xPeke" Martinez’s many kills proved fatal for Millenium.
Fnatic finally broke through Millenium's defenses with a late change in strategy. The effective use of kiting in fights ended every engagement and siege in Fnatic's favor and they marched on with a 3-3 record.
Alliance rolls on
Alliance's 5-1 record is here to stay. Another two wins over strong competitors, including one of summer’s other standings leader Millenium. That win was big, but, the victory over SK Gaming should be the high note for a team that's been on an absolute tear. That rampage doesn't look to stop as Alliance's great use of advantageous team fights and tight rotations continue to baffle opponents.
Games of the week
Day one: Fnatic vs. Gambit Gaming Coming into the first, Fnatic were a near 83 percent favorite over Gambit Gaming. Unfortunately for Fnatic, Gambit Gaming played a great game of prevention to stay with the reigning European champions. The slow play led to only five total kills after 30 minutes in the match. While Fnatic took the farm advantage, their team fight execution - and silly plays like an attempted Baron steal - killed multiple chances for them to gain momentum. Eventually, Gambit Gaming's siege strategy snapped Fnatic's patience. Fnatic forced risky fights, lost, and Gambit Gaming took advantage to finish off the upset. Gambit Gaming slid back into the standings with a great victory over last split's best team. Alliance vs. SK Gaming The early EU LCS leader Alliance took on European powerhouse SK Gaming in the first game of Day 2. Alliance used many of the same early game strategies used during their Day 1 win over Millenium: using advantageous numbers in team scrambles and sieges.Their early aggression netted them a solid gold lead going into the mid game. However, SK Gaming was ready for them, answering back with aggressive rotations and initiations despite being on the defense. Smart plays and patience worked in SK Gaming's benefit as they clawed back into the game, eventually drawing even with Alliance.
Unfortunately for them, one bad engagement from SK Gaming decided the match. After CandyPanda dropped, it was a matter of cleanup for the Tabzz, as Alliance aced their opponents and pushed for the victory.
Millenium vs. Fnatic
Millenium failed to capture their Super Week form, and the veteran Fnatic took advantage of it.
The first ripple of momentum went Fnatic's way during a clash at Baron. In addition to securing the buff, Fnatic also took four kills and the lead in the game. Millenium would fight back with better rotations and trades, but Fnatic's Enrique "xPeke" Martinez’s many kills proved fatal for Millenium.
Fnatic finally broke through Millenium's defenses with a late change in strategy. The effective use of kiting in fights ended every engagement and siege in Fnatic's favor and they marched on with a 3-3 record.
Biggest surprises
SUPA HOT CREW is super hot It seems that Supa Hot Crew (SHC) has taken their recent brush with relegation and turned it into motivation to become a top team in Europe. Another strong week from the team places them tied for second place with a 4-2 record, And from their smart picks to their precise rotations to the snowball effect they’ve managed to pull off, SHC is acting like they belong there.
Alliance rolls on
Alliance's 5-1 record is here to stay. Another two wins over strong competitors, including one of summer’s other standings leader Millenium. That win was big, but, the victory over SK Gaming should be the high note for a team that's been on an absolute tear. That rampage doesn't look to stop as Alliance's great use of advantageous team fights and tight rotations continue to baffle opponents.
