The second stage of LPL's intra-group matches has been underway for two days in its second week. On the previous match day, WE, struggling to secure a single win, faced AL, who were in a slump. Although AL suffered two losses in the first week, their strength is significantly ahead of WE's, so this BO3 was unsurprising: AL easily won 2:0. After another defeat, WE's record in this stage is now 0-5, and they are likely to lose all matches in the first round.

Another match was between TES and BLG. This key battle ended surprisingly. Before the match, everyone assumed BLG would win, but TES players all performed exceptionally, shutting out BLG 2:0. TES created gaps in both top and bottom lanes, especially the top lane where Bin was completely outplayed by the young top laner Zuian. In the first game, Bin picked Gnar, but Zuian countered with Vayne and dominated him in lane.

Just 6 minutes into the game, Zuian chased Bin from top lane to the river. Bin, unaware of vision in the bush, tried to flash into it to trick his opponent but was solo killed. Shortly after returning to lane, Bin was caught and killed again. After that, he couldn't lane anymore. Around 18 minutes, Zuian solo killed him under tower again. By then, Bin's score was 1-5. BLG managed a counterattack in a team fight but still lost.

In the second game, Daeny probably realized Bin's poor form and switched tactics, picking tank champions and focusing on the bottom side. With a ranged champion against a melee one, Zuian exerted full pressure, forcing Bin to retreat to the second tower by 6 minutes. He also used a baiting maneuver, cooperating with Tian to kill Bin. Once Jayce gained advantage, he relentlessly harassed Bin. By just 14 minutes, the top lane gap reached over 2K gold.

Although BLG performed well in mid and bottom lanes, even securing three dragons consecutively, they gave too many opportunities in team fights. Before each engagement, one of their three carries would get instantly eliminated. Gradually, TES gained a huge economic lead and ultimately shut out BLG 2:0. After this win, TES became the first team in the Summit Group to reach 4 wins, topping the standings. Who would have thought TES possessed such strength?

Recall that during the Oil Cup qualifiers, TES was crushed by IG like bots. Yet against BLG, every player erupted, directly stripping BLG of their "king" title. The post-match handshake moment was quite interesting. Cream, who never indulges Bin, this time even refused to shake hands, ignoring Bin when walking past him. Tian and "Brother" also declined to bend down, only symbolically touching hands.

Bin truly performed poorly in this BO3, getting outplayed in lane both games. Compared to previous matches, it felt like a different person. In the first week, Bin dominated Zika and Xiao Xu, but facing Zuian left him bewildered. Daeny and Bin underestimated their opponent. Vayne against Gnar is a strategy used globally, but when BLG first-picked Gnar, they didn't consider the Vayne counter.

Such drafting shows they didn't respect Zuian. After this humiliation, if they pick Gnar again, both coach and Bin must consider banning Vayne. If the opponent is skilled, Gnar struggles in lane. However, blaming only the top laner isn't fair. BLG's duo lane also performed poorly this match, getting crushed in lane repeatedly. Viper often mispositioned in team fights. After returning, BLG really needs thorough review.

Conclusion:

Who could have predicted TES and IG would be so strong this stage? During the transfer period, people said making playoffs would be success. Now, both teams have chances to contend for MSI. In the Oil Cup qualifiers, BLG unexpectedly lost to JDG, and now they were crushed by TES. With two consecutive losses, they truly need adjustments.

So, where do you think BLG fell short?

Feel free to leave comments and discuss!