Chapter 737: The Red Arrows
As the Manchester United players were still celebrating, Klopp called Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson over to the sidelines.
"Jordan, we've reached the most critical stage of the match," Klopp said directly.
Henderson nodded. He understood his coach's message. The game had turned into an all-out battle. With Manchester United's goal tipping the scales once again, it was imperative for Liverpool to equalize for the third time.
If they managed to level the score again, it would shatter United's momentum and lift Liverpool's spirits. However, failing to do so would almost certainly mean losing the match.
"We need to equalize within the next 15 minutes!" Klopp emphasized.
This timing was no coincidence. By the 80th minute, if Liverpool hadn't leveled the score, the pressure would only mount, leading to desperation and mistakes. Klopp knew that time was as much of an opponent as United.
"Have Roberto [Firmino] drop deeper to support the defense. Leave Sadio [Mané], Mohamed [Salah], and Georginio [Wijnaldum] up front to attack with everything they've got," Klopp commanded.
This was a bold decision. Allowing three players to focus solely on offense left Liverpool vulnerable at the back. If United capitalized on this risk and scored again, it would spell disaster. But Klopp had no choice—it was time to gamble.
Four years, three European finals, and no trophies. For Klopp, his players, and the entire Liverpool fanbase, this was an unacceptable streak.
"It's our turn, isn't it?" Klopp thought.
On the Other Side
Mourinho called over United captain Bruno Fernandes to issue a warning.
"Liverpool is going to throw everything at us now. Hold the line!" Mourinho's tone was firm and urgent.
A Spectacle for the Ages
The game resumed with a fervor that thrilled fans around the world.
Liverpool launched relentless attacks, risking everything to equalize. Meanwhile, United didn't merely retreat into their defensive shell. Their counterattacks were sharp and dangerous, causing panic among Liverpool supporters.
The stakes were clear: Liverpool's equalizer could shift the momentum entirely in their favor, perhaps leading to a dramatic comeback. But if United scored again, it would be all over for Klopp's side.
"This is one of the most thrilling Champions League finals in recent years! It's on par with last season's epic showdown between Manchester United and Real Madrid!" a commentator exclaimed.
The match was a far cry from the cautious, conservative finals of the past. Both teams attacked with abandon, delivering a spectacle that delighted fans—especially neutral ones.
Liverpool's Pressure
In the 71st minute, Salah drove forward, skillfully evading the combined defensive efforts of van Dijk and Luke Shaw with a deft toe-poke.
Wijnaldum received the ball, smoothly pulling it away from Kanté's attempted challenge.
Sensing danger, Gündoğan committed a tactical foul, pulling Wijnaldum to the ground.
The referee's whistle blew, signaling a foul, and Gündoğan was shown a yellow card.
Kanté, already on a yellow, embraced Gündoğan in gratitude. The German midfielder had taken the risk on his behalf, preventing Liverpool's attack from gaining momentum.
Salah's Free Kick
Liverpool earned a free kick in a promising position. Salah stepped up to take it.
The referee's whistle blew. Salah ran up and struck the ball with his left foot, curling it into the box.
Matip, towering over most defenders, leaped alongside van Dijk to meet the ball. Matip's forehead connected, but the ball deflected off van Dijk's head, creating a bizarre trajectory that arced toward the top corner of the goal.
De Gea performed a miraculous save, barely tipping the ball with his fingertips. But the danger wasn't over—the ball remained in the box, triggering chaos in United's defense.
Amid the melee, Mané shielded the ball from Luke Shaw. With both players lunging for it, the ball ricocheted off their legs, bouncing toward the goal.
De Gea, having already performed a superhuman first save, couldn't react in time. The ball bounced into the net.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Mané! Mané! Mané! In the heart of the chaos, Mané scores to level the game once more!"
"3-3! Liverpool equalizes for the third time in this rollercoaster of a final!"
"Incredible scenes at the Wanda Metropolitano! This match is truly one for the ages!"
Mané sprinted away in celebration, chased by his jubilant teammates. Liverpool fans in the stands erupted in euphoria, believing their team might now have the upper hand.
On the sidelines, Klopp clenched his fists and roared with delight.
Meanwhile, Mourinho's expression darkened. Liverpool's third equalizer had disrupted his carefully laid plans yet again.
"This is going to the wire," Mourinho muttered, preparing for his next tactical adjustment.
"GOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!"
"Mané! Mané! 3-3! Sadio Mané! He equalizes for Liverpool for the third time!"
"Incredible! Liverpool capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, launching a relentless attack that culminated in Sadio Mané's goal! With this, the famed Red Arrows trio has all found the back of the net in this monumental Champions League final. Truly the most potent attacking trio this season!"
"3-3! Liverpool has come from behind three times! Their resilience is astonishing!"
"What a match! Both teams are putting on a spectacular show. United has been brilliant, but Liverpool has matched them step for step. This 3-3 clash is making everyone's blood boil with excitement."
"Yes, Mané!"
"Liverpool! You'll never walk alone!"
The Liverpool fans at the Wanda Metropolitano erupted into a deafening roar, their cheers eventually blending into the iconic anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone.
On the pitch, Liverpool's players celebrated with abandon. Mané tried to sprint away in celebration but was quickly tackled to the ground by Firmino, who let out a roar before piling on top of him. Soon, seven or eight more Liverpool players swarmed in, smothering Mané in a jubilant heap.
On the sidelines, Klopp burst from his technical area, fists pumping as he let out a primal yell. The goal was monumental, and Klopp seemed nearly unhinged with elation.
In that moment, a famous quote from 20 years ago, after Manchester United's dramatic late win against Bayern Munich in the Camp Nou, echoed in his mind: "Bloody hell, football!"
Bruno's Frustration
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes, wearing the captain's armband for United, seethed with frustration, muttering curses under his breath.
Liverpool's open-play attacks had been loud but largely ineffective, unable to breach United's disciplined defense. Yet, from a single set piece, Liverpool managed to seize the opportunity and level the score.
Three times United had taken the lead, and three times Liverpool had clawed their way back. This latest equalizer would undoubtedly energize Klopp's side, threatening to shift the momentum decisively.
"We can't let them build on this!" Bruno thought. He knew the psychological nature of momentum—it rises for one side and diminishes for the other.
Taking advantage of Liverpool's ongoing celebration, Bruno gathered his teammates into a huddle. His instructions were loud and clear: "As soon as the game restarts, we go all out on the attack. Even if we don't score, we must quash their momentum before it grows."
He added emphatically, "Don't even think about extra time. Let's hit them hard and pressure their defense!"
Bruno's intent was clear—attack to defend. Against a team like Liverpool, known for their unrelenting energy, allowing them to dominate would be disastrous. Memories of AC Milan's infamous collapse in Istanbul 14 years ago served as a cautionary tale. Bruno was determined not to let United become another statistic in Liverpool's legacy.
Mourinho's Tactical Adjustment
Simultaneously, Mourinho made a substitution. He brought on the young and pacy Mason Greenwood to replace Mbappé.
Mourinho shared Bruno's sentiment. He wanted to exploit Greenwood's speed and fresh legs to challenge Liverpool's defense, already worn down after 70 minutes of intense play. Even if Greenwood didn't score, his presence would force Liverpool to reconsider pushing too far forward, thus alleviating some pressure on United's own defense.
"Manchester United have made a substitution. Mourinho brings on Greenwood for Mbappé. Let's see if Klopp responds with changes of his own," remarked commentator He Wei.
"Not before the 80th minute," replied Zhang Lu. "Liverpool just equalized and have their tails up. Klopp trusts his players to capitalize on this momentum unless injuries or bookings force his hand. That said, Klopp has proven he can deliver game-changing substitutions when necessary."
Tactical Battles Intensify
Mourinho's plan to press Liverpool and smother their momentum met an unexpected challenge—Klopp had no intention of playing for extra time.
Instead, Liverpool surged forward, their relentless attacks putting United's defense on the back foot.
"Salah! A shot! Saved!"
"De Gea denies Salah's effort! Liverpool win a corner, and United must be cautious—they just conceded from a set piece moments ago."
Liverpool's corner was delivered into the box, where Maguire rose highest to clear. However, as Kanté tried to send the ball upfield, Henderson barged into him, causing the Frenchman to stumble. Henderson seized possession and launched a second wave of attack.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10