paiN beat MIBR to progress through the play-in

The Brazilians secured the final group stage spot on offer.

paiN defeated MIBR in the domestic derby in three maps (Mirage 13-10, Anubis 4-13, Vertigo 13-3) to secure the final IEM Cologne group stage spot.

The matchup has been a frequent one back in Brazil, as the teams played 18 maps in 2024 before their matchup at IEM Cologne, and Rodrigo "⁠biguzera⁠" Bittencourt admitted that played a part on the decider.

"The last time we played against them [MIBR] on Vertigo, it was 13-0, so I said if we win the knife, we win the game," the Brazilian shared with a smile on his face.

The series began with a brawly affair on Mirage, where a 1v2 on each side of the server meant the teams were neck and neck in the dying stages of the map. paiN needed biguzera to find a fantastic timing with a Window flank to find an entry into the B site, which helped them secure a 13-10 win.

Clip: biguzera secures Mirage with impactful flank

MIBR flipped the script on Anubis and dominated from start to finish to tie up the series with a 13-4 victory. Raphael "⁠exit⁠" Lacerda, Felipe "⁠insani⁠" Yuji, and Rafael "⁠saffee⁠" Costa all had standout moments as paiN simply couldn't get going, meaning a Vertigo decider was needed.

The third map was another one-sided affair, this time in paiN's favor. A second-round forcebuy set them up for an 8-4 half before a 2v5 situation on the B site proved to be the final nail in the coffin for MIBR, who exited the competition after the loss.

Clip: paiN convert 2v5 post-plant situation