Breaking news flooded the headlines.
"Firmino and Leo Lin to miss Premier League Matchday 26 with minor injuries."
"Sky Sports exclusive: Leo Lin suffers slight knee swelling, no serious damage. Expected absence: one week."
"Firmino feared a fracture. Team doctors confirm it's only abrasions. Mercilessly mocked by teammates."
"Barnett files suit against drunk driver. Severe penalties expected."
...
Early the next morning, Leo Lin's phone exploded.
Calls. Messages. Notifications nonstop.
Charles Lin: "You okay? I saw the Sky Sports photo of you and Firmino sitting by the pitch chatting. Looks like you're fine?"
Mother Lin: "I told you to be careful! You've never stopped worrying me since you were little!"
Klopp: "Lin, medical report's clear. No structural damage. You'll rest next match—good chance to recover properly."
...
That night, Liverpool's medical team had arrived even before the ambulance. Both players were taken to the club immediately for examinations.
Thankfully, nothing serious.
The drunk driver was arrested. The matter settled.
With Matchday 26 off, Leo Lin and Firmino were bored out of their minds.
They stayed at the club, enjoying massages from the physios while watching the match and chatting.
Liverpool traveled away to Huddersfield.
Fans joked Huddersfield were already preparing for the Championship—they still hadn't won a single match all season.
March 6.
Sky Sports studio.
Gerrard held Huddersfield's stats in hand.
"Twenty-five league games. Nine draws. Sixteen defeats. Bottom of the table with nine points."
"Klopp's gone with full rotation tonight. Giving the regular starters a proper rest."
The camera cut to Liverpool's bench.
Salah. Mané. Lovren. All seated calmly, watching the younger players.
Meanwhile, in the treatment room—
"Lin, a friend of mine found a chef who's incredible with eggs. He's coming to my place tonight—full egg feast. You in?" Firmino grinned.
"Salah's coming. And Richarlison. My fellow Brazilian."
Leo Lin nodded.
"Sure. Tell him to buy more eggs. I'm going to eat you bankrupt."
Firmino burst out laughing.
...
On the pitch, even with a rotated lineup, Liverpool dominated Huddersfield.
From the opening whistle, it was one-way traffic.
Wijnaldum started and led the side brilliantly, showing his ball control and looking sharper with every match.
"Based on recent performances," Jon Champion said, "Klopp might seriously consider starting Wijnaldum alongside Henderson and Leo Lin instead of Emre Can."
Just then—
Liverpool attacked down the left.
Moreno whipped in a cross.
Wijnaldum timed his late run perfectly—
Header!
Goal!
"Beautiful, my brother!"
Leo Lin pumped his fist in celebration.
Their earlier friction was long gone. After Klopp intervened, Wijnaldum had personally spoken to Leo Lin. Since then, he'd openly praised him online and in interviews. The relationship had clearly improved.
In the 60th minute, academy youngster Woodburn headed in another.
2–0.
Liverpool secured three points with simple long balls and crosses.
Elsewhere, Manchester City beat Southampton 3–1, keeping the pressure on.
...
By March 8, both Leo Lin and Firmino returned to training.
Next up: Premier League Matchday 27. Southampton.
The title race dominated headlines.
Sky Sports plastered the live standings across its front page.
Liverpool and Manchester City sat clear at the top.
Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham were fighting for Champions League spots—but realistically out of the title picture.
March 11. Kickoff at 4 p.m.
Bright sunshine. Broadcasts live.
In the studio—
"Southampton just lost to Manchester City," Gerrard said. "Now they face Liverpool. Third meeting this season."
"They were knocked out by Liverpool in the FA Cup as well."
"Southampton's manager called this a revenge match. They don't want to be beaten three times. It would be humiliating."
Gerrard pointed to one name.
"Ward-Prowse has been outstanding lately. He scored directly from a free kick against City."
James Ward-Prowse—renowned for his curling, fast, precise deliveries.
...
In Liverpool's dressing room, Klopp spoke with Mignolet.
"Shift the wall slightly to your right. Ward's success rate toward the left side of goal is lower."
Detailed preparation.
...
Five minutes after kickoff—
"Ward-Prowse wins a foul just outside the box!"
"He'll take it himself!"
"Direct shot!"
"Ohhh!"
"What a bend!"
"Ward-Prowse scores! A superb free kick!"
"Liverpool trail 0–1 at Anfield!"
Southampton immediately dropped deep.
Ten men behind the ball.
Liverpool pressed. No breakthrough.
Time ticked away.
Klopp paced the touchline. They couldn't afford a draw. Not with Manchester City lurking.
30th minute.
"Long ball out wide—Arnold searching for Salah."
"Salah cuts inside—beats one!"
"Still driving central—brought down!"
"Højbjerg fouls him. He couldn't let him keep drifting inward."
Free kick.
Dangerous area.
The crowd buzzed.
Who would take it?
Then—
Leo Lin stepped forward.
Red shirt.
Gum between his teeth.
Calm.
Klopp watched from the sideline, a grin tugging at his lips.
Let them see.
What a real free kick master looks like.