MLBB: Team Liquid drops to MSC lower bracket after stunning loss to Aurora Turkiye

Team Liquid's title defense took an early hit after the Philippine powerhouse suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to Aurora Turkiye in the opening round of the 2026 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid-Season Cup (MSC) on Thursday in Paris.

The sweep loss sent the Cavalry to the lower bracket, where it now faces a do-or-die path in its bid to keep its title defense alive.

Aurora Turkiye, led by Filipino coach Neil "Midnight" De Guzman, caught Team Liquid off guard in Game 1 after Ahmet Taha "Rosa" Batır unveiled the seldom-used Rafaela in the middle lane, marking the first time the hero was used in the tournament.

The unconventional Rafaela pick proved to be the difference-maker early, with Rosa dictating the tempo and helping Aurora Turkiye build a commanding 5-1 kill advantage just six minutes into the game.

Riding that momentum, Aurora Turkiye demolished Team Liquid's midlane inhibitor turret before Sigibum's Hirara took center stage with a triple kill, allowing the Turkish squad to close out the one-sided opener in less than 10 minutes with a stunning 18-1 kill disparity.

"Yeah [we're caught off guard] kasi wala naman kaming nakakalaban ganon sa mga scrims namin and pasok na pasok din talaga 'yung pick nilang Rafaela," Team Liquid's midlaner Alston "Sanji" Pabico said.

"Commended ko sila do'n."

Aurora Turkiye picked up right where it left off in Game 2, dictating the pace from the outset by securing all three Turtle objectives and the first Lord to keep Team Liquid on the defensive.

Although the defending champions managed to fend off the initial Lord siege, Aurora Turkiye remained in complete control. Tienzy, on Harley, secured the second Lord, paving the way for the Turkish squad's final push as it completed the stunning sweep to advance to the upper bracket.

Team Liquid's title repeat hopes will go through Entity7 as they clash in a do-or-die lower bracket quarterfinals.

—JKC, GMA News