RESULTS: Vitality Fight Back Against Fnatic to Keep This Semi-final Series Alive

In a do-or-die match to keep their hopes alive, Vitality have managed to claim victory over Fnatic, keeping the dream of a Grand Final appearance alive for the time being. Here’s a brief breakdown of the match.

The match started a lot slower than the previous one, though both teams clashed over the Dragon, neither pursued enough to claim first blood. Vitality finally claim first blood after Fnatic overextend in the top lane. Vitality make a repeat gank on the top lane to claim another kill before taking down the first turret of the game. Fnatic are forced to answer in the bot lane, settling for just the turret and the Dragon while Vitality continue their top side pressure by securing the Rift Herald.

Both teams clash in the bot lane as Fnatic dive the second tier turret to claim a kill. Though multiple members are taken low on both sides, the teams withdraw with just the single death for now. Fnatic continue to pressure the mid lane, securing the outer turret before pulling back, while Vitality are forced to summon the Rift Herald before it times out, though it is unable to gain any ground in the mid lane.

Fnatic rotate to the top lane to take down the last outer turret, forcing Vitality to pull back for the time being. Vitality’s response in the bot lane secures them another kill, but the response from Fnatic claims one of their own for the time being. Vitality do not pull back far or fast enough, and Fnatic manage to wrap around to claim another kill and level out the game. Vitality attempt to force an engage in the mid lane, however Fnatic respond in force and claim a kill before rotating towards Baron. Though Fnatic has the opportunity to start the Baron, Vitality manage to force them away, claiming a kill for themselves. With Fnatic forced away, Vitality move to secure the Baron for themselves.

Vitality use the Baron to force a fight in the top lane, claiming three kills and pushing in to destroy the inhibitor. As Vitality withdraw, Fnatic force another skirmish that leaves one member dead for both teams. As Baron wears off, Vitality continue to pressure the mid and bot lanes as they seek to further break open the base of Fnatic. Fnatic attempt to rush the Baron as Vitality push in the bot lane, but Vitality secure the buff for themselves and further open up the base of Fnatic.

Vitality use the power of the Baron buff to completely open up the base of Fnatic, leaving no structures standing as they close out the game. With this victory, Vitality keep their playoff dreams alive, though Fnatic still have a match advantage for the time being. For more from this series, check out the recap of game number two, and for more on when the Finals will be played, check out the Official Schedule page, here.