The new ESEA Intermediate season is slowly picking up pace, and there’s no shortage of excitement on the servers. Most teams have already played their first two matches, and the table is gradually taking shape. Among them is POLteam, who have also kicked off their campaign in this edition of the league. Unfortunately, their opening matches have yet to yield any points, and a 0–2 record is not the ideal start to the season, though it does not fully reflect the situation.
Results don’t always tell the whole story, and in this case, both defeats were the result of hard-fought battles in which the outcome was decided by the finest of margins. One of them only ended after a series of extra-time periods. The other, despite a poor start, could just as easily have ended in victory. It is clear, then, that the team is certainly on a par with the rest and simply needs a breakthrough. Is this just a slight false start from which POLteam will quickly recover? We’ll find out soon enough.
How did POLteam’s start to the season go?
Nexium POLteam 11:13 GAMUZO eSports | Mirage
POLteam played their first match of the season on Mirage against GAMUZO eSports. Unfortunately, the start of the match didn’t go their way. They lost the first half 4:8, which put the team in a difficult position right from the start. Their opponents effectively exploited their economic and map advantages, maintaining control over the flow of the game.
After the sides swapped sides, however, POLteam showed character and didn’t let their opponents wrap up the match easily. In the second half, the team tried to make up for their deficit, displaying a much more organised style of play. However, despite an ambitious comeback and winning rounds in the closing stages, they fell short of a few key moments needed to level the score. The match ended 11–13, but left the impression that it was a close call.
Nexium POLteam 19:22 mXm-S | Inferno
The second clash was even more thrilling. This time on Inferno, where POLteam faced off against mXm-S. Although the first half wasn’t their best this time either, the team showed plenty of determination to get back into the game. In the second half, they levelled the score and forced extra time, turning the match into a real nail-biter.
It took no fewer than three overtime periods to decide the winner of this match. Both teams traded points, not allowing their opponents to build a comfortable lead. Although POLteam had their chances, it was the small details – such as individual rounds, 1v1 duels and economic decisions – that determined the final result. After a battle right to the very end, it was mXm-S who emerged victorious from this contest, winning 19–22. For POLteam, it was a painful but valuable lesson and proof that they are capable of putting up a fight on equal terms.
More challenges lie ahead for POLteam
Although the start of the season did not bring the desired results, it would be a stretch to call it a disaster. POLteam showed that they can go head-to-head with their rivals, even if the final result did not go their way. Evenly matched games, comebacks after weak first halves and fighting until the very last round. These are signs that this team has considerable potential. The closely contested matches against GAMUZO eSports and mXm-S could prove to be the foundation on which the team builds consistent form for the rest of the season.
In their very next match, POLteam will face back2back, a Russian side well known to some of our partner teams from previous seasons. This team is renowned for its strong, well-organised play and is capable of causing problems even for higher-ranked opponents. For POLteam, this will not only be another opportunity to secure their first points in the table, but also a chance for sporting revenge on behalf of our entire esports ‘family’.
Will they manage to break the deadlock and secure their first victory this time? We’ll find out very soon. One thing is certain: if they maintain their fighting spirit and iron out a few details, it won’t be an easy ride for any opponent.
POLteam (x.com — Facebook — website — team profile)
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