The crowd roared inside the Cuneta Astrodome on Wednesday night as Team Liquid Philippines (TLPH) and TNC punched their tickets to the upper bracket semifinals of the MPL Philippines Playoffs — each team carving a statement victory in contrasting but equally thrilling fashion.
TLPH, seeded third, opened the evening with a dominant 3-1 dismantling of Team Falcons Philippines (FLCN), keeping its ambitious “Golden Road” bid alive.
After conceding First Blood to Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo in Game 1, Liquid PH turned the tide with a devastating 16-0 run in kills — a clear display of championship-caliber control. Game 2 followed suit, with the squad’s superior macro play leading to a massive 13,000-gold gap before closing out the map.
FLCN briefly fought back in Game 3, showing flashes of the form that carried them from last place to a playoff berth. But Liquid’s composure prevailed in Game 4, sealing the match with a decisive endgame clash that left no doubt who was in command.
TLPH now prepares for a blockbuster semifinal showdown against reigning champion Onic Philippines — a rematch of last season’s grand finals that promises fireworks.
Despite bowing out, Falcons PH leaves with its head held high. The team’s late surge from the bottom of the standings to secure the final playoff slot stands as one of the most impressive comeback stories in MPL history.
The night’s second series stretched to the limit as TNC outlasted Twisted Minds Philippines (TWIS) in a nail-biting 3-2 duel.
The decisive Game 5 belonged entirely to Justine “Zaida” Palma, who secured his signature hero Fanny during the draft — a turning point that proved fatal for TWIS. Palma went on a flawless 8-0-0 rampage, slicing through defenses and delivering the knockout blow that sent TNC soaring into the Final Four.
As the only lower seed to advance, fifth-seeded TNC will next challenge top-seeded Aurora Philippines on Thursday, aiming to keep their underdog magic alive.
Though eliminated, TWIS’ campaign remains a breakthrough for a squad composed mostly of players promoted from MDL Philippines Season 5 champions Onic Nine Lives. Rookies Carlo “Caloy” Roma, Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara, and Mico “Nosia” Guevarra are already drawing buzz as frontrunners for Rookie of the Season honors — a promising sign of what’s to come.
With Liquid PH, TNC, Onic, and Aurora now composing the Final Four, the MPL Playoffs are set for a fiery finish — where dynasties, upsets, and new legends await under the bright lights of Pasay.