NIP secure semi-finals spot at IEM after defeating Movistar Riders

Hampus "⁠hampus⁠" Poser's men denied the Spaniards the first opportunity to secure a ticket to the Major.

Ninjas in Pyjamas are through to the semi-finals of IEM Fall Europe after defeating Movistar Riders 2-1, with Alejandro "⁠alex⁠" Masanet's men gave the Swedes a run for their money, forcing Ninjas in Pyjamas onto Nuke after two close affairs on Ancient and Inferno.

The Swedes are one step closer to securing a Legends spot at the Major and will be able to claim it tonight already if Copenhagen Flames upset Vitality in the second game of the day. Movistar Riders will now play in the 5th-8th place decider, requiring to win one of their two series there to guarantee a Major spot.

Movistar Riders gave a good account of themselves on the defensive side of Ancient, as the Spaniards startled Ninjas in Pyjamas with some great CT aggression, giving them an early lead. The Swedes were eventually able to edge the half 8-7 thanks to the performance of an in-form Fredrik "⁠REZ⁠" Sterner.

The Spanish squad brought their fire into the second half, troubling Ninjas in Pyjamas with some creative T rounds. Alejandro "⁠mopoz⁠" Fernández-Quejo Cano found several impact frags on the offense, allowing his team to go all the way to 30 rounds on Ancient. Eventually, REZ and Nicolai "⁠device⁠" Reedtz were too much for Movistar Riders to handle, giving Ninjas in Pyjamas the push necessary to take their pick 16-14.

Moving to Inferno the Spaniards looked to set the early pace, taking the pistol and creating a 5-0 lead. Raúl "⁠DeathZz⁠" Jordán Nieto proved crucial for Movistar Riders as they converted their early advantage into a 9-6 half victory.

Movistar Riders seemed to have taken control of Inferno after winning their fourth pistol round of the series and extending their lead 12-6. Ninjas in Pyjamas proved more competitive after their first rifles came out, closing the gap to their opponents 12-14 before securing overtime with back-to-back clutches on the B bombsite. Overtime was a short affair as the Spanish squad swept their CT side, setting them up to take Inferno 19-16.

Nuke proved to be a lot more one-sided compared to the first two maps as Ninjas in Pyjamas took their first pistol round of the series before going on an eight-round winning streak to close their CT side 13-2. The defense did not fair better for Movistar Riders and the Swedes cruised to a 16-5 victory, taking the series 2-1.