FaZe score crucial win over fnatic in Group D; NIP, DBL PONEY win openers

The first round of matches in Group D unfolded as expected with the favorites coming out ahead.

The first day of IEM Fall Europe has come to an end with the conclusion of the opening matches in Group D, where Ninjas in Pyjamas, DBL PONEY, and FaZe all secured wins to net themselves three points in the round-robin standings.

The early victory over fnatic is especially important for FaZe, who need to place in the top seven to guarantee themselves a place at the Major, and leaves Alex "⁠ALEX⁠" McMeekin's side in a dire situation as they would need to place in the top six to guarantee their own berth to Stockholm.

Although both teams have a shot at advancing outside of those placements, depending on the outcomes of their ensuing matches and those of other teams, every victory eases that burden slightly, and with Ninjas in Pyjamas also taking a win in the first round, fnatic's odds have dwindled.

It was a relatively one-sided affair for FaZe in their match against fnatic on Mirage, led by a dominant performance from Russel "⁠Twistzz⁠" Van Dulken. The Canadian rifler combined with Håvard "⁠rain⁠" Nygaard in securing a number of multi-kill rounds, helping FaZe to a 10-5 lead at the end of their attacking effort.

The side swap offered fnatic little respite as Helvijs "⁠broky⁠" Saukants tapped down three players in the pistol round to keep FaZe in control. With momentum in their favor, Finn "⁠karrigan⁠" Andersen's crew wasted no time in closing out the map, sweeping the final handful of rounds to net a victory in their opening match.

Ninjas in Pyjamas had an even easier time of things in their match against Fiend, crushing the Bulgarian side with a stalwart defense on Nuke. Nicolai "⁠device⁠" Reedtz was a menacing force in what became a 12-3 half for Ninjas in Pyjamas, with the Danish sniper leading the way with a 22-6 K-D, 160 ADR, and a 2.57 rating.

The second half was equally dominant as Ninjas in Pyjamas spared no prisoners, quickly shutting down any comeback hopes for Fiend as they brought about a swift end to the map, 16-4.

The sole opening map of Group D to go the distance was between SKADE and DBL PONEY, in which the Frenchmen were put on the back foot as they initially led 3-1 before falling behind, with SKADE putting up a 9-6 lead by the break.

Alexandre "⁠bodyy⁠" Pianaro and company managed to get back in the driver's seat in the second half, briefly taking the lead 11-10 before a back-and-forth resulted in SKADE attaining match point off the back of a 3vs5 recovery and an untimely crash from Pierre "⁠Ex3rcice⁠" Bulinge.

However, DBL PONEY remained steadfast and managed to force overtime, where they reigned supreme with a four-round spree to narrowly steal away victory from the grasp of SKADE.

The Group D standings after day one are: