Aurora Gaming Eyes Rebound Against TLPH After Disastrous MPL Week 1

Aurora Gaming PH endured a difficult opening week in MPL Philippines Season 18, dropping both of its matches against top-seeded ONIC Philippines and TNC Pro Team. But the M7 World Champions have another chance to bounce back in Week 2 at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City.

Sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 0-2 record match record, Aurora has a chance to turn things around—but standing in its way is familiar foe, three-peat champion Team Liquid PH.

Both squads boast immense star power and championship pedigree, but they enter this “Epic Rivalry” clash looking to recover from recent setbacks.

Aurora bowed out of the playoffs early last season against ONIC PH, while Team Liquid PH’s MSC title defense ended in disappointment after failing to win a single game in the group stages.

Now, both teams have something to prove. This clash goes beyond regular-season points and standings. It is a test of whether two former champions can address their early flaws and rediscover the form that once put them at the top.

Aurora Gaming PH appears to still be adjusting to its revamped lineup, with returning overseas-based players Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo and Kyle “Koyl” Reyes continuing to settle into their roles. 

After a difficult Week 1, their chemistry and adaptability will face another major test against Team Liquid PH stars Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno and Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, who are also looking to bounce back from recent setbacks.

Meanwhile, Team Liquid PH has yet to replicate its dominant form from last season, when it won 9 straight matches before Team Falcons PH handed it a 2-1 defeat in Week 6, with the same result occurring once again just last week.

For Aurora, the task is simple: find its footing before another heavyweight opponent exposes the same weaknesses that plagued its opening week. For Liquid, it is an opportunity to remind the league why it remains the defending champion.

The Cavalry will look to reassert their authority, but Aurora will be eager to finally get its first win of the season and put its difficult opening week behind it.

Catch the “Epic Rivalry” clash between Aurora Gaming and Team Liquid on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.