March 23.
The Liverpool team bus slowly rolled into Munich.
Bayern Munich fans lined both sides of the street, and Leo Lin, seated at the back of the bus, could hear the occasional boos drifting in.
The entire Liverpool squad had arrived early to prepare for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal, set to kick off in three days.
At the Allianz Arena, Liverpool would challenge the Bundesliga's Southern giants, Bayern Munich.
"You have to understand what Bayern Munich represent this season—they're currently the highest-scoring team in all of Europe."
"Their attacking firepower is unmatched on the continent. Before reaching the semifinals, Bayern swept aside every opponent in their path."
"They won all six of their Champions League group-stage matches and have only lost once in the Bundesliga so far. Scorelines like 3–0, 4–0, even 6–0 and 7–0 have all appeared."
"Every opponent faces relentless pressure against them—constant defensive strain. That's the terrifying side of Bayern Munich."
"People joke that when you face Bayern, you'd better be prepared to concede six or seven goals—no matter who you are."
On a Sky Sports analysis program, Premier League legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were discussing the upcoming Champions League semifinal.
"Liverpool's safest approach is to get out of this game unscathed. If they can leave the Allianz Arena with a 0–0 draw, or something like 1–1 or 2–2, their chances of reaching the Champions League final will be much higher once the second leg returns to Anfield."
"Going all the way to Munich and trying to go toe-to-toe with Bayern in an attacking shootout—I don't think that's a wise decision."
Gerrard had played in the Champions League many times. He had also completed one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history and lifted the trophy himself.
Because of that, he understood something clearly: in the Champions League, you have to do the right thing at exactly the right moment if you want any chance of winning the title.
"We can practically predict Bayern Munich's starting lineup already."
"Ribéry on the left wing, Robben on the right, Lewandowski through the middle—that's the attacking trio they've relied on for years."
"In midfield they've got Javi Martínez, Thiago, and Vidal—one enforcer, one playmaker, and one defensive anchor."
"At the back there's Boateng and Hummels, with Neuer in goal and Kimmich at right-back. These are some of the most high-profile players in European football today."
"There are virtually no weaknesses. On paper and on the pitch, Bayern Munich are an incredibly complete team."
"More importantly, Guardiola's departure didn't send Bayern into decline. This season they've been playing vibrant, attacking football."
"And that's thanks to their legendary manager Jupp Heynckes. With the club struggling to find a suitable long-term coach, Heynckes returned as a caretaker and immediately put Bayern back on track."
The Heynckes Gerrard mentioned is one of the greatest managers in Bayern Munich's history. He is renowned for building powerful attacking sides while maintaining balance between offense and defense.
Liverpool arrived in Munich three days early on a chartered flight. The club arranged quiet team buses to ensure the players could reach their six-star hotel safely.
Security layers surrounded the hotel, preventing trouble from extreme fans. Some German supporters could be surprisingly intense when passions ran high.
The Champions League—the highest honor in club football.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating the next match.
This semifinal first leg was guaranteed to be a spectacle for fans everywhere.
The other Champions League semifinal had already been played three days earlier. Manchester City held Real Madrid to a 0–0 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result they were perfectly happy with.
City would now return to the Etihad Stadium with the tie level, preparing to battle Real Madrid for a place in the Champions League final.
Meanwhile, Liverpool—who had outperformed Manchester City this season and still sat at the top of the Premier League table—were widely regarded by fans as the Premier League's standard-bearer.
After City's draw with Real Madrid, attention quickly shifted to Liverpool. Fans everywhere were eager to see how the Premier League leaders would perform.
For that very reason, Klopp ordered the entire squad to stay off social media.
Until March 26.
When Liverpool's team bus finally rolled into the Allianz Arena, the players—who had seemingly vanished for three days—stepped out one by one in suits and walked into the stadium.
Liverpool supporters who had traveled with the team gathered along the entrance corridor, stretching out their hands to high-five the players while shouting encouragement.
Leo Lin wore over-ear headphones, completely immersed in music.
Before major matches, he always preferred to stay calm.
During those three days, Klopp had prepared a targeted defensive game plan. He was confident that a disciplined defensive approach combined with counterattacks could at least secure a draw for Liverpool.
7:30 PM European time.
Only thirty minutes remained before kickoff.
Livestreams across every platform had already begun. Fans poured into the chat rooms, arguing fiercely.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool supporters were already clashing before the match had even started.
"The Premier League will never be like the Bundesliga—and the Bundesliga will never reach the Premier League's level!"
"It's time for Bundesliga clubs to see what real intensity looks like!"
"What's wrong with the Premier League? How are Liverpool top of the table?"
"Klopp couldn't beat Bayern when he was managing Dortmund—he even lost the Champions League final to them. Now he's with Liverpool. The ending won't be any different!"
The ESPN broadcast booth was now introducing the starting lineups, with Derek Rae leading the commentary.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the first leg of this Champions League semifinal is about to kick off here at the Allianz Arena."
"Tonight's matchup features Bayern Munich—currently dominant in the Bundesliga—against Premier League leaders Liverpool."
"This is a two-legged tie, but both teams will be determined to avoid letting the first leg decide everything."
"For Liverpool: Simon Mignolet starts in goal."
"At left-back Andrew Robertson, with Joe Gomez at right-back."
"In central defense, Dejan Lovren partners Joel Matip."
"A three-man midfield of Jordan Henderson and Emre Can, with Leo Lin positioned further forward."
"Sadio Mané on the left wing, Mohamed Salah on the right, and Roberto Firmino through the middle."
"As for Bayern Munich, they line up with their strongest possible XI."
"Notably, David Alaba is filling in at left-back—likely out of caution against Liverpool's powerful wing attacks."
"Manuel Neuer in goal. Joshua Kimmich at right-back. The center-back pairing is Boateng and Hummels."
"Boateng—arguably the best center-back in the world—has produced countless unforgettable moments in modern football."
"The midfield trio consists of Thiago, Arturo Vidal, and Javi Martínez."
"On the wings: Ribéry on the left, Robben on the right."
"And leading the line—Robert Lewandowski, one of the most lethal strikers in European football today."
"In 29 Bundesliga matches this season, Lewandowski has scored a staggering 29 goals. Even without counting assists, he averages a goal per game."
"Fans, this is a true clash of giants!"
"Don't blink—get ready!"