"We're happy to play anyone" Karmine Corp eliminated as Paper Rex secure VCT Masters Madrid Playoffs

In a spectacular conclusion to the Swiss Stage of VCT Masters Madrid, Paper Rex beat Karmine Corp 2-1 to secure their spot in the playoffs.

Mirroring LOUD, Paper Rex have eliminated both EMEA teams from Madrid.

Paper Rex 2-1 Karmine Corp

PRX had a very strong start on their pick of Bind. Winning 5 rounds right off the bat, PRX managed to close the first half at 8-4. However, Karmine Corp were slowly coming into form, as they put up quite a fight before PRX won the map 13-10.

KC picked Lotus for map 2. PRX had a decent start, winning out the pistol and the subsequent round. But KC returned the favor from Bind, ending the first half at 8-4. PRX again managed to win the pistol and the following round in the second half, but KC did not allow anything more, as they closed out the map 13-6.

Ascent was a proper nail biter, with neither team ready to give up easily. It was quite an even back and forth, before KC managed to take the lead at 11-8. But PRX pulled off a massive comeback to reclaim the lead at 12-11. But KC managed to push the map into overtime.

However, PRX managed to retain their momentum, as they closed out both rounds to secure the map 14-12.

Although the match on Ascent was quite close, a crucial timeout called by coach alecks gave PRX the necessary boost that allowed them to win out the map. This is what d4v41 had to say on his coaching:

“I think for these matches, we have to give huge props to alecks. I think he’s been calling all of the things that KC were gonna do to us. Like most of the [tactics], by us and KC. Alecks figured out what they were going to do. Especially on Lotus and Ascent, he had pretty much a good read on them.”

Monyet was one of the key players on Ascent, which allowed PRX to close out the map at the end. We asked him about his confidence level now, compared to the last interview we did with him after VCT Pacific Kickoff.

“Still 50 or 60% I think. I’m still not that confident as when I play on Controller last year. As for the expectations, you’ll see. I don’t want to jinx anything. No expectations. Zero expectations.”

Post-Match talks

In the post-match press conference, we asked the Karmine Corp players about their thoughts on the game, and if they could’ve done some things differently to potentially close out the series. Magnum had the following response:

“I think, first map, we had a sloppy start. It’s true. When they fight you, you need to get used to the playstyle. Like, we knew they were going to do this. But I think the game started slipping out of our hands mainly due to me. I remember when we didn’t clutch, and since then, I just couldn’t recover myself, because I was stressed out. They just made the correct decision. They just stacked on us because we stacked as a five. We were just readable, and we didn’t do the correct moves.

And on defense, in the first round of Overtime, we just had bad comms. For us, I think, luckily, the format is not the best. So we still have the most points for the season. So that’s kind of a win for us. And we gained a lot of experience, because we didn’t lose to some teams. It’s Sentinels and Paper Rex. And both had really different playstyles. Both of the games, we could’ve won. And heading into the split, it gives us a lot of experience, and gives us a lot of time to practice.”

When we asked coach ENGH about his plans and expectations for the upcoming VCT EMEA League Stage 1, he didn’t reveal much to the public.

“I should reveal all our plans? Of course, we’re gonna make some changes in our game. That’s it. I don’t want to reveal more.”

Paper Rex are going to face Gen.G in the first match of the playoffs of VCT Masters Madrid. We asked coach alecks on his thoughts going into this revenge matchup.

“No expectations. We’re just trying to take it step by step. We’re happy to play anyone. More than anything, we’re happy to be in the playoffs. As usual we’re just going to try our best. And try and use this opportunity to make sure we’re ready for the rest of the season.”

You can follow Valorant Champions Tour X (formerly Twitter) for all updates on the upcoming fixture. You can also follow Strafe for upcoming fixtures, press conference coverage, and more.

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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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