After emerging from the MLBB Mid-Season Cup 2025 group stage with the fastest total winning time among the four undefeated teams, MPL Philippines Season 15 champions Team Liquid PH earned the privilege of choosing their opponent for the knockout stage.
It was a strategic edge that they used to select Aurora Türkiye, a squad currently coached by fellow Filipino Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani.
But for Team Liquid PH head coach Rodel “Ar Sy” B. Cruz, the decision was more than just tactical. It was driven by a sense of Filipino pride and redemption, as he revealed in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times.
“Gusto namin ibawi yung ONIC PH. Kasi tinalo nila (Aurora Turkiye) yung ONIC PH eh,” said Coach Ar Sy, explaining the motivation behind choosing Aurora Türkiye.
Aurora dealt ONIC PH their only loss in Group B, pulling off a 2-1 upset on opening day and sending the reigning M-series world champions to the lower bracket. ONIC, however, bounced back and swept their next two matches to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Now, Team Liquid PH seeks revenge on behalf of their fellow Filipinos, aiming to keep the dream of an all-Filipino grand finals alive.
With ONIC PH positioned on the opposite side of the playoff bracket, a PH vs PH championship is still in play — if both squads can win back-to-back matches in their respective paths.
While Ar Sy has openly expressed his desire to see an all-Filipino title showdown, he remains grounded about the challenge that lies ahead.
“Yung pagtungtong pa lang namin sa MSC, alam namin bawat makakalaban namin magiging pahirap nang pahirap. Kaya sineset na lang namin sa mindset namin na kahit sino makatapat namin talagang paghahandaan namin nang sobra,” he shared.
The MSC 2025 playoffs begin on July 30, with Team Liquid PH taking on Aurora Türkiye in the opening match of the knockout stage. ONIC PH will follow the next day, facing Team Spirit on July 31.
