IEM Krakow 2026 | Spirit Take Control, Sweep Astralis 2–0

On the opening day of IEM Krakow 2026, Spirit faced Astralis led by in-game leader HooXi.

While both maps featured close scorelines at times, Spirit’s superior control in key moments allowed them to gradually seize momentum and close the series 2–0, advancing to the upper bracket semifinals.

Map 1: Dust2 (Spirit pick)

Spirit started on the T side. In the pistol round, they attempted a mid-to-B approach, but jabbi’s positioning allowed Astralis to turn the round and secure the defuse.

Spirit failed to convert their early force-buy attempts, giving Astralis a 3–0 lead.

In round four, Spirit shifted gears, executing a fast B hit with clean trades to secure their first round. They followed it up by pressuring B again, forcing Astralis into a save.

Round six marked an early turning point. Although phzy found an opening pick in mid, Spirit regrouped and executed onto A, where tN1R closed out the clutch.
From this moment on, Spirit began to regain control of the pace.

The teams traded rounds until Spirit struck again in round ten, accelerating through A Long and mid. donk and sh1ro delivered crucial output to level the score.

Astralis responded late in the half, with Staehr finding multiple entries in A Short to edge ahead at halftime.

After the side switch, Astralis attempted a delayed B hit, but donk and zont1x shut it down instantly.
From that round forward, momentum clearly shifted toward Spirit.

Spirit pushed ahead on the CT side, limiting Astralis’ options. Despite Astralis forcing overtime, Spirit’s individual impact proved decisive.

magixx punished an A Short execute, while donk repeatedly delivered in clutch situations.
When it mattered most, Spirit found the cleanest answers.

Spirit secured Dust2 in overtime.

Map 2: Overpass (Astralis pick)

Astralis opened on the T side with a fast B execute, successfully converting the pistol round.

Spirit responded with a force buy, stabilizing the defense through strong B-site holds from zont1x and magixx.

Astralis found success early with quick-paced attacks, briefly pulling ahead.

However, Spirit gradually adjusted, shutting down key entry routes.

In round eleven, Spirit’s A-site defense forced Astralis into a save.
From this point on, the tempo slowed — a pace that favored Spirit.

The half ended tied 6–6.

Switching to the T side, Spirit immediately took control. sh1ro opened the map, while donk dominated during the site execute, wiping out the defense.

Spirit continued to build momentum, breaking Astralis’ economy.

Despite occasional resistance, Astralis struggled to match Spirit’s firepower and late-round execution.

In round nineteen, Spirit secured a critical B-site post-plant through superior aim, reaching match point.

A fast B rush in the following round sealed the map 13–8.

Spirit close the series 2–0, advancing to the upper bracket semifinals, while Astralis drop to the lower bracket.