VCTCN: GuanG's heroics with a pentakill couldn't turn the tide, as AG made a comeback to defeat NOVA 2:1.

During the third week of the third stage of the 2025 VCTCN, AG came back from a loss in the first map to win against NOVA with a score of 2:1.

Map One: Hidden Repair Shop

Defensive Team AG: Hunter, Viper, Neon, Shadow, Joy

Offensive Team NOVA: Viper, Hunter, Joy, Neon, Shadow

After winning the pistol round, AG was turned around by NOVA in the eco round, losing two points due to economic disadvantage. They managed to equalize the score only during the rifle round. AG took an early timeout to adjust their tactics, but NOVA's players were in excellent form. Besides K1ra, who found a point through individual skill, AG was completely suppressed. Before the first half ended, AG finally managed to defend the A site under pressure and ended the half trailing 4:8.

After switching sides, NOVA grew stronger, winning three consecutive points. AG's coach called for the final timeout to adjust the team's condition, which helped them recover three points. In the 19th round, NOVA successfully defended against AG's assault on the A site, reaching five match points. In the match point round, AG delayed their attack on the A site until the last 24 seconds, breaking through to the B site with Neon and then using Soul Transfer to take the C site for a thrilling victory. Only then did NOVA decide to use their first timeout. However, the timeout didn’t work well, as AG continued to score, narrowing the gap to 10:12. In the 23rd round, AG tried to push NOVA back in the B site, but Joy's perfect counter with Global Lockdown thwarted AG's plans, allowing NOVA to secure the win with a score of 13:10.

Map Two: Salt Sea Mine Town

Defensive Team NOVA: Viper, Black Dream, Viss, Neon, Shadow

Offensive Team AG: Shadow, Viper, Steel Lock, Hunter, Neon

AG started by attacking the B site and planting the explosive device, but NOVA quickly countered and cleared the bomb site. However, the remaining three players made mistakes and failed to eliminate the Seeking Arrow. Shr1mp calmly took down the defuser and eliminated two more, achieving a triple kill to win the pistol round. AG secured the first two points but faced a triple kill from GuanG during the rifle round, allowing NOVA to seize control and take the lead. After adjusting their strategy, AG managed to keep the score close. In the last round of the first half, NOVA, in a 4v2 situation defending the B site, attempted to smoke but was completely countered by K1ra, resulting in a tie at 6:6.

After switching sides, NOVA took the first two points, but AG kept the score tight. NOVA lost many crucial endgames today, significantly affecting their overall rhythm. Both teams fought fiercely until AG seized the opportunity to score consecutively, gaining three match points. In the 22nd round, during the match point round, NOVA breached the B site and planted the explosive device, leading to a 2v2 endgame. AG's two players smoked to force a defuse, and K1ra calmly secured the endgame, helping AG defeat NOVA 13:9, leveling the overall score to 1:1.

Map Three: Lotus Ancient City

Defensive Team AG: Rezz, Viper, Shadow, Night Dew, Black Dream

Offensive Team NOVA: Black Dream, Phantom, Viss, Rezz, Shadow

After winning the pistol round, AG nearly lost in the eco round when NOVA ambushed and upgraded their weapons. Thankfully, a hot-performing Shr1mp held his ground in a 1v3 situation, preserving the team's economy. After NOVA won the rifle round, they fell into AG's rhythm. Shr1mp's performance inspired his teammates, and AG surged ahead. In the 7th round, both teams exchanged fire fiercely in the C site, resulting in a 1v1 endgame. o0o0o planted the explosive device at the A site but was caught by Hanche's timing, allowing AG to secure another victory. NOVA was under heavy pressure until GuanG's heroic pentakill finally earned them a point. With GuanG's outstanding performance, NOVA rallied back, scoring four points and ending the first half with a score of 5:7.

In the second half, both teams switched sides, and AG regained control, scoring continuously and disrupting NOVA's defensive rhythm through enhanced map penetration. They achieved seven consecutive match points. In the match point round, cb lost a point first, but AG quickly transitioned from C to B via a teleport, breaking through the defense and defeating NOVA 13:6 in Lotus Ancient City, securing a 2:1 overall victory.