Movistar Riders have so far had a marvelous showing at IEM Cologne 2022. If their impressive dismantling of Team Vitality in the Play-Ins was a sign of things to come, Movistar’s Group Stage sweep over G2 Esports has raised quite a few eyebrows. With the team’s next obstacle in Group A being Team Vitality, and considering their dominating performance against the French powerhouse just two days ago, we could be looking at a new Cinderella Story on one of CS:GO’s biggest stages.
A team has found itself on the fringes of top-level CS:GO for quite some time, Movistar was seen as no more than a Play-In team in the grand scheme of things. But after numerous roster changes over the years, and a plethora of both international and domestic rosters, Movistar has seemingly found the correct formula. After breezing their way to a first-place finish at DreamHack Valencia 2022 just a couple of days ago, the overall feeling around the team slightly shifted, but few could have predicted that IEM Cologne would go this good.
Heading into IEM Cologne 2022, the odds were heavily stacked against the team, with most bookmakers looking at a Movistar victory as a complete shot in the dark. Although a victory for the Spaniards is still looking fairly unlikely, Movistar Riders have got more than quite a few people rooting for them.
How For Can Movistar Riders Go?
Looking at the team’s performances so far, it’s really hard to tell. Movistar has been on a roll, and hot teams normally carry that momentum until they hit an immovable object. The team’s fundamentals are looking on point, their rotations have caught both Vitality and G2 off guard on a couple of occasions, and most importantly, they play the team game.
Although there is no standout star on the roster, the duo of SunPayus and mopoz have performed above all expectations. The team’s veteran IGL ALEX has finally been able to show why he’s considered one of the best team captains in the scene. While he can frag as good as the rest of his teammates, it is Movistar’s calm and measured approach that has gotten them in their current position.
Their approach to strategy as well as excellent communication has seen Movistar completely shut down the likes of m0NESY and ZywOo in their last two outings.
Looking at Group A, if Movistar manages to get through Vitality again, they will be guaranteed a spot in the Playoffs. With the other Upper Bracket being a clash between Natus Vincere and Ninjas in Pyjamas, a potential Movistar upset could see the rise of Movistar for quite some time to come.
If Movistar continues its excellent performances, a deep run at IEM Cologne 2022 is a strong possibility. With excellent team play and an underdog aura around them, the Riders are definitely putting Spanish CS:GO on the map.
Movistar Riders vs. Team Vitality
Heading into the Upper Bracket Round 2, it’s Team Vitality who will be looking to avenge their Play-In loss to the Spanish Inquisition. In their last showing, Movistar absolutely mopped the floor with Vitality, rendering their gameplan obsolete and their star player completely shut down.
When it comes to the CS:GO betting aspect, Moviestar is a huge underdog heading into the series, with a money line of +157 for their victory.
Although Vitality is bound to learn from their mistakes, taking into account the recent results and Movistar’s hot streak, there is a huge opening for a good value bet on the Spaniards. We’re leaning towards Movistar outright winning out the series, but in a much tougher manner than before.
Pick: Movistar Riders
Odds: 2.57
Bookmaker: GGBET
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