In the third phase of the LPL group matches, the schedule is already halfway through. Besides BLG, the other seven teams in the Peak Group have completed the first round of the round-robin. On the last match day, BLG defeated WE with a score of 2:1, achieving a six-match winning streak in the new phase. If they win one more match, BLG will surpass TES and take the top spot in the Peak Group standings. With no losses halfway through the schedule, it seems that BLG is set to reclaim their title as the kings of the league this phase.

In another match on the same day, it was a showdown between T1 and Weibo. Before the match, everyone thought these two teams could at least go the full three games. However, Weibo underperformed and was directly shut out 2:0 by T1. After winning one more match, TES secured the top spot in the standings by a narrow margin. The final match was between IG and JDG. Although this BO3 also ended in a shutout, it was more exciting than the previous two because JDG played exceptionally well.

In the first game, IG started with a significant advantage. Xun from the Nest Bugs team failed to secure a crucial objective, and they lost the team fight. Both of IG's carries started 2-0. By the mid-game team fight, JDG had no chance to fight back. Just 24 minutes in, Gala secured a pentakill with Varus, completely eliminating any suspense in the match. With two pentakills in one week, Gala's total pentakills in the LPL has reached 9, placing him firmly at the top of the historical leaderboard.

In addition to being at the top of the league's pentakill leaderboard, Gala has also climbed to second place in the global pentakill rankings, with a total of 11 pentakills in his career. He is just one behind the Turkish player in first place. It seems this season, Gala has a chance to become the global leader. The second match was quite unfortunate for JDG; the two teams played for over 25 minutes, maintaining an even economy, but Scout made a critical mistake during a team fight.

Without vision in the jungle, he didn't group with his teammates and ventured in alone, directly giving IG a Baron. However, Gala also made a mistake afterward, with both sides trading blows. In the final team fight, JDG chased TheShy with all five players. As a result, TheShy turned around with a massive ultimate, killing the top and AD carries. When IG pushed for the high ground, they lacked minions and initially couldn't finish the game, but Scout flashed in to take on five opponents, ultimately losing the match.

In IG's post-match voice chat, the players mentioned they were leaving early, but Scout's mistake led to the match's end. However, regarding that one play, Scout's decision wasn't wrong. The Baron had spawned, and the Dragon had a minute left. After IG returned to base to regroup, they could secure both the Baron and the Dragon Soul. If the game dragged on, JDG would likely lose. If Scout had managed to kill Annie and taken out another player, JDG would have had a chance at the Baron.

As for the final team fight, one could say Scout didn't perform well, but his decision-making was sound. However, that one play can be excused; the earlier plays cannot. The 3-0 start from Ryze had significant repercussions, leading to several pivotal moments. Scout clearly bore the brunt of the blame after the match. IG's interview afterward was quite entertaining. When asked why he chose to use Uzi's skin, Gala directly hinted that Scout should pay him back.

Gala responded on-site: "This skin is quite expensive, and I don't have it myself, so I used it." His answer made everyone in IG laugh, while Wei's eyes widened. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, Gala's words implied that Scout should repay him. It's a bit tough for the junior to be pressured for repayment after losing the match, but Gala was just joking. If he truly wanted to put pressure on his junior, he would have done so much earlier.

Conclusion:

After JDG lost to IG, their record has dropped to 2-5. Although they are only one point behind WBG and AL, given their current form, it seems quite challenging to catch up. Unless something unexpected happens, JDG is likely to fall into a tough path, competing with the four teams in the Rebirth Group for playoff spots.

So, do you think Gala is demanding repayment?

Feel free to leave your comments and discuss!