Vitality beat Astralis in IEM Cologne 2025 Group A Upper Bracket

Vitality defeated Astralis 2–0 in the Group A upper bracket quarter-final of IEM Cologne 2025. William “mezii” Merriman was named MVP, delivering 37 kills, several crucial clutches, and a 1.23 rating. Vitality advance to face G2 in the semi-finals, while Astralis drop to the lower bracket to meet FURIA.

Map 1 – Nuke (13:11 Vitality)

Astralis picked Nuke and started competitively, but Vitality built an 8:4 CT-side lead. Astralis attempted a late comeback behind device’s 40-bomb and a near 1v4 clutch, but mezii’s 1v3 hold in Round 1 set the tone and ropz closed the map with a key post-plant denial.

Map 2 – Overpass (13:8 Vitality)

Vitality’s pick was more decisive. They dominated the first half 9:3, with flameZ and ropz combining for multi-kills. Astralis reduced the gap briefly, but mezii’s 1v2 clutch in Round 13 shut down their momentum and locked in a clean 13:8 finish.

Vitality now move to the upper semi-finals against G2, while Astralis must fight FURIA in the lower bracket to stay in contention. Other Group A matches include Falcons vs The MongolZ and elimination matches starting Sunday.

IEM Cologne 2025 takes place in Cologne, Germany, featuring the Play-In (July 20–23), Group Stage (July 24–30), and Playoffs (August 1–3). The event carries a $1,000,000 prize pool, awarding $400,000 to the champion, $180,000 to second place, and $80,000 for third.