In the first stage qualifiers of the LPL, only two BO5 matches remain. On the previous matchday, LNG swept TT 3-0 to advance to the third round. TT, having not won a single game since the start, proved too weak and no match for LNG. The other match was between EDG and OMG, which was quite interesting. EDG had an early advantage but was eventually turned around by OMG.

Before 20 minutes in the first game, EDG maintained an economic lead. At a critical moment, Da'an pushed a lane without vision, giving OMG a big opportunity. Even with their mid laner dead, EDG tried to teamfight, but four players lined up and ended up giving a team wipe. Despite OMG's amazing play, when they led by 4.4K gold, they overcommitted in a numbers disadvantage and gave EDG the advantage back. When EDG had a chance to win, Leave walked into the enemy and threw the game away.

There were four comebacks in a single match, these two teams are incredible. The story in the next three games was similar: EDG led by at least 2K gold early, but someone would make a costly mistake in teamfights. The third game was won mostly due to item advantages and opponent errors. The final game was the most shocking; EDG kept an economic lead throughout, at one point ahead by 8.6K gold, but when trying to end with Baron buff, they were wiped out.

Being overturned despite such a large gold lead is truly remarkable for EDG. What's more interesting is that in this patch, ZDZ still picked top lane Nidalee and even crushed his lane opponent. The artificial TheShy showed some skill, but unfortunately, Nidalee’s impact in late teamfights was minimal. However, failing to win despite an 8K gold lead isn’t just Nidalee’s fault; it’s clear all five players underperformed.

Since the 2014 summer split, EDG had never lost a BO5 to OMG until now, making new history. Coach Clearlove is indeed unusual, managing to lead the team to breakthroughs every year. EDG’s biggest problem is their poor ability to close out games. When ahead, they hesitate and give the opponent chances. There are major issues with the training staff — what exactly are they teaching in practice?

If EDG had won, IG would have faced LNG in the third round, but after losing, IG’s opponent became OMG. IG is likely to be eliminated by LNG, but they have a chance against OMG. From OMG’s match against EDG, their early laning is weak. As long as IG plays normally, they should gain an advantage early. IG’s ability to finish games is far stronger than EDG’s when ahead.

The last two matches are quite suspenseful. WE lost 3-2 to Top Esports, showing they can compete with peak teams. LNG is also strong, having not lost a single major game from group stage to qualifiers, only dropping two small games, showing potential as a dark horse. IG versus OMG is similar, but IG’s form is very unstable and inconsistent.

If it were the Demacia Cup and IG played like they did in the first two group matches, they would easily defeat OMG. However, after recent losses, IG’s form has hit rock bottom. Only Wei maintains a normal level; top laner Soboro can’t beat anyone, mid laner Rookie tries his best every game, and the bot lane is even worse. Photic is definitely the weakest AD in the peak group, and Jwei can’t carry him, making it hard to gain lane advantages.

Conclusion:

If IG loses to LNG, they might still save face since LNG hasn’t lost a game. But losing to OMG would be truly embarrassing. However, IG is a peak group team, and if they can recover their form, their chances of making the playoffs are quite good. The question is whether their form will improve in the next two days.

So, what do you think? Can IG beat OMG?

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