Complexity vs. paiN, what to expect

A clash between Americas teams is never good, even less on the 1-1 bracket. A loss here for either team means an elimination match the day after, whereas the winner will be just one BO3 away from qualifying for the next stage. Worryingly, and I know this is a somewhat long shot, but a loss for Complexity here and a win from Liquid and GamerLegion on the 0-2 bracket, will see the two North American squads facing each other in an elimination series.

This is where the marathon starts to get tough, and teams can't play the "Guess who your opponent will be if you either win or lose" game like we are doing, but things can get very bleak for NA.

Also read: T.c: "We're ok with being 1-1"

Complexity's time to shine

Complexity started their journey in Paris with a strong CT-side on Inferno against GamerLegion, but looked a bit flat on the T-side. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the game against G2 saw a much better offense from the NA squad but a lackluster CT-side. The main takeaway from these two games are:

Complexity has what it takes to take down paiN
Consistency on both ends of the server
Play with confidence and don't doubt themselves
Keep focused and sharp, the game will flow their way

paiN looks scary

paiN's campaign at the Major has also been very positive so far. An opening match where they bulldozed Fluxo 16-2 on Mirage and then a tough loss against FaZe 16-12 on Nuke. paiN's rounds against FaZe were decided a lot in the clutches, where they didn't take full advantage.

Win clutches = win games
More hardzao on the T-side
String together more rounds on the CT-side

Also read: Liquid clear favorite for elimination match tomorrow

Previous Matchups

This is not the first time both teams face each other, obviously. Since Complexity signed the Extra Salt squad, the two teams met inside the servers three times. Two times in two Americas RMR BO1s and once in a BO3 for IEM Rio 2023 NA Closed Qualifier. Complexity won the IEM Rio 2022 Americas RMR BO1 16-7 on Ancient, and the BO3 series for IEM Rio 2023 with a 2-0 result after a 16-14 Nuke and a 16-9 Overpass. paiN won the BLAST.tv Paris Major Americas RMR BO1 16-10 on Nuke.

Likely Vetoes

As you read previously, Nuke has featured in a BO1 and the BO3 both teams played and it should be played today as well, as both teams like the map, have good results there, and know how the other plays on it.

Complexity ban Mirage - usual first ban
Complexity ban Anubis - 4 losses in a row
paiN ban Overpass - usual first ban
paiN ban Inferno - Complexity look comfortable on it
paiN ban Ancient - either this or Vertigo
Complexity ban Vertigo - 4 times played vs. paiN's 18
Nuke is left - both teams enjoy playing each other there

Extras

The betting websites favor the Brazilians, but not too heavily. Complexity has an average odds of 2.15, while paiN has an average odds of 1.66.

Also read: Community reacts to Liquid starting 0-2 at BLAST Major