Astralis stun The MongolZ to make semi-finals

The MongolZ performed yet another disappearing act in playoffs, and Astralis took full advantage.

Astralis have earned a surprise semi-final berth at PGL Cluj-Napoca thanks to a 2-0 win over The MongolZ, taking advantage of the Mongolians' slow individual performances to grab wins on Mirage (13-8) and Inferno (16-12).

A poor CT side cost The MongolZ on Mirage, before a late Inferno defensive resurgence by Astralis hauled the Danes into overtime, where they stepped up to the plate magnificently and blew The MongolZ off the server.

Astralis can now look forward to a semi-final matchup with MOUZ.

Date	Matches
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025
22/02/2025	MOUZ 16:00 Astralis	Match

The MongolZ's playoff woes continue

The MongolZ just can't seem to get it right in tier-one playoff runs. Since 2024, The MongolZ have played seven playoff games at Big Events, and they have won two: one against BIG at EPL 20, and one against Eternal Fire at IEM Katowice earlier this year.

Once again The MongolZ disappeared on stage with the pressure on, losing their map pick of Mirage against an Astralis who have struggled badly on the map this year, before squandering a 12-8 lead on Inferno. The MongolZ won three of four pistol rounds, and didn't manage a single winning half.

Azbayar "⁠Senzu⁠" Munkhbold was individually poor today, the rest of The MongolZ had their moments, but lacked for overall fragging output, and it seemed the nerves were getting to the Mongolian squad. They were too passive on their CT sides, allowing Astralis the freedom to play out any round they fancied, and shrunk further and further into their shells as Inferno wore on.

"We mentally broke down," Sodbayar "⁠Techno⁠" Munkhbold admitted of Inferno in a post-match interview with James "⁠BanKs⁠" Banks. The MongolZ desperately need to work on their mentality in playoffs if they are to eventually live up to their obvious potential.

Astralis grab vital VRS points

The Danes bounced back from their embarrassing recent qualifier loss to HEROIC with this upset win, despite a hostile crowd, and they showed glimpses of good CS in doing so. Casper "⁠cadiaN⁠" Møller made some good calls, despite a poor game in the fragging department, and Jakob "⁠jabbi⁠" Nygaard had one of his better series in recent memory.

It cannot be understated how important this win might be for Astralis as the season continues to play out. Despite shaky overall form, a playoff victory at a tournament with the prize pool of PGL Cluj-Napoca will pay dividends in terms of VRS ranking points, and may make the difference when it comes to future tournament invites and Major qualification.

With a new-look MOUZ awaiting Astralis in the semi-finals, the Danes will fancy their chances of grabbing another upset victory and earning an unlikely grand final berth.