FURIA beat Vitality 2-1 in the Group A winners' match at BLAST Rivals Hong Kong, securing a bye to the semi-finals. After losing Inferno 5-13, the Brazilian side took Dust2 13-10 and then dominated Mirage 13-0.
It was the first time in Counter-Strike 2 that Vitality failed to win a single round on a map. The series was a poor one for Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, whose absence was especially felt on Dust2, where Vitality could not complete a comeback.
On Inferno, Vitality were in control. Shahar "flameZ" Shushan and William "mezii" Merriman led a strong CT side, and the first half ended 11-1. The pair finished the half with 18 and 17 frags.
FURIA turned the series around on Dust2, even though Vitality regularly contested the early rounds. Yuri "yuurih" Santos and Kaike "KSCERATO" Cerato were key on defense. Vitality recovered from 3-11 and Robin "ropz" Kool hit an ace on B, but yuurih and Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo won a 3v5, and KSCERATO closed the map with a 1v2 clutch in round 23.
On Mirage, FURIA put up an oppressive defense, while Mareks "YEKINDAR" Gaļinskis found timely flanks through Middle. Vitality still advanced to the playoffs but will start from the quarter-finals.
