The Iberian play-in will confirm the sixth and final team at Blast Pro Series Madrid on Friday when Movistar Riders take on Vodafone Giants at 3.15pm BST / 4.15pm BST in a best-of-three series.
The clash sees Spain take on Portugal, as you’d expect of a match known as the Iberian play-in, and sees some of the most storied and experienced CSGO names from the region facing off.
Sadly for Movistar, they lost one of their best players recently when lowel left to join Mousesports, but the heart of their team remains with Oscar ‘Mixwell’ Cañellas still front and centre. The former OpTic man has been forgotten a bit in recent months, but those who recall his time with the Green Wall know how incredible he can be with any gun, and he is the best player going in to this game.
For Giants, Ricardo ‘fox’ Pacheco is the most famous name and the highest rated player too, which should tell you a lot about the level of the other four. His decline from FaZe in 2016 to Giants, via teams like Kinguin and Tempo Storm has not been the most edifying to watch, but like Mixwell he will have a point to prove, about his own nation as well as his own ability.
There is also a crazy amount of motivation for the two teams, who have been starved of invites and appearances at major events for much of their recent history, with the chance to play on stage in front of a home crowd. ESL One Cologne 2018 showed us how much that sort of support can lift a team as BIG made the final, and Blast Pro Madrid would be greatly enhanced by a home team succeeding on the main stage.
The initial Blast Pro Series Madrid schedule has been set and will be complete when we know the victors of the Iberian play-in.
Odds favour Movistar Riders
For those who like to bet on CSGO, Movistar Riders are favourites to make the main event at 1.30, while Giants are avilable at 3.2.
Watch Movistar Riders v Vodafone Giants live
You can watch Blast Pro Series Madrid Iberian play-in - Movistar Riders vs Vodafone Giants live with Luckbox.
Picture: Movistar Riders / Twitter
