"Sevilla are a truly fascinating team."
"In the past, Sevilla were sometimes labeled a 'selling club' because of how adept they were at profiting from young players."
"There are differing accounts of when Sevilla were founded, but most fans believe it was in 1905."
"Before the many derbies we know today exploded in popularity, the most famous and fiercest rivalry in Spanish football was actually the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis—often hailed by fans as the greatest derby of all."
September 10. With kickoff still some time away, Jon Champion was sharing bits of trivia with viewers during the live broadcast.
An assistant stepped into the studio and handed over the starting lineups. Jon Champion knew a historic moment had arrived.
Leo Lin was starting his first-ever Champions League group-stage match.
"Fans, both teams have submitted their starting lineups."
"Leo Lin is making his first appearance in a Champions League group-stage match—this is a historic moment in his career!"
"Let's start by taking a look at Sevilla's lineup."
"Goalkeeper: Rico!"
"Defenders: Escudero, Pareja, Kjaer, Mercado!"
"Midfielders: Pizarro, Banega, Nzonzi!"
"Forwards: Joaquín Correa, Ben Yedder, Navas!"
"The most eye-catching part of this Sevilla side is their front three, especially Joaquín Correa on the left."
"He's been in excellent form since the start of the season—three goals and two assists in five league matches, averaging a goal contribution per game."
Jim Beglin then took over to introduce Liverpool's starting eleven.
"Liverpool have also named a full-strength lineup."
"Goalkeeper: Mignolet!"
"Defenders: Robertson, Lovren, Matip, Arnold!"
"Midfielders: Wijnaldum, Henderson, Leo Lin!"
"Forwards: Mané, Firmino, Salah!"
"Both teams are out on the pitch. The match is about to begin."
Leo Lin stood near the center circle, scanning the field, carefully studying the positioning of every Sevilla player.
For this match, Liverpool stuck with their newly developed wing-focused attacking approach, combined with their familiar high-pressing system.
The mix of old and new often produced results—creating space out wide first, then penetrating through midfield, with full-backs overlapping to join the attack.
With multiple players surging forward, Liverpool's attacking firepower was always amplified.
But Sevilla had no intention of sitting back. After kicking off, they pushed forward aggressively, clearly looking to seize the initiative despite being away from home.
"Sevilla look to work it through the middle—Banega carries the ball forward."
"Ben Yedder drops deep, a quick one-two shifts it wide, and a diagonal pass finds Joaquín Correa!"
"They're targeting this side again—Correa controls and drives forward!"
"He beats Arnold and bursts into the box!"
"A powerful shot from a tight angle!"
"Lovren slides in at just the right moment, blocking the shooting lane—a crucial piece of defending!"
Sevilla found a shooting opportunity with their very first attack, and any Liverpool fan claiming not to be nervous would be lying.
"That wasn't ideal—Arnold was a bit rash there and lost his defensive position too early."
"Sevilla's midfield setup is very interesting. Pizarro and Nzonzi are pushing up, deliberately overloading Leo Lin's side and forcing him backward."
"That draws Leo Lin deeper, then Banega carries the ball through the center."
"They're intentionally congesting the midfield and looking for chances elsewhere."
As he said this, Jon Champion couldn't help but laugh.
"I can't quite believe what I'm saying myself."
"Normally, an 18-year-old starting in the Champions League would be the one targeted."
"But instead, Leo Lin is the player Sevilla are deliberately trying to avoid."
"They must have studied him closely and know just how strong he is in physical duels."
Leo Lin gradually realized he was being deliberately marginalized.
Sevilla kept Pizarro glued to him, denying him any room to receive the ball, then pushed their line higher to force Liverpool backward, briefly creating sustained pressure.
Klopp, however, simply instructed his players to stay calm, control the tempo, and maintain their chain defense. Three compact defensive lines locked the pitch down.
"Based on Liverpool's recent matches, Klopp's tactical blueprint is clear," Jim Beglin noted.
"In attack, it's wing breakthroughs combined with high pressing. In defense, it's chain defending, again paired with high pressing."
By the 20th minute, the match remained tense. Sevilla held a slight edge but struggled to carve out clear chances.
By now, Leo Lin had largely figured out Sevilla's midfield pressing patterns. He began increasing his movement, using sudden bursts of acceleration that caught Pizarro off guard.
26th minute.
"Sevilla try to bypass Leo Lin through the middle again, but his recovery run is excellent."
"He shakes off Pizarro and closes down Banega!"
"A shoulder-to-shoulder clash—he wins it! A powerful tackle!"
"He lays it back to Arnold to reset the play. Arnold sends a quick ball over the top down the wing—Salah charges forward."
"Up against Escudero, drops the shoulder and cuts inside!"
"He's past him and still driving toward the center of the box!"
"A curling delivery to the far post!"
"A great chance—headed goalward!"
"Rico does brilliantly!"
"Leo Lin is growing into the game now. That tackle just now was outstanding."
"It's normal for a 17-year-old making his Champions League debut to need some time to adjust."
"But Leo Lin has shown remarkable adaptability—he's quickly found the rhythm."
After settling into Sevilla's pressing tempo, Leo Lin became increasingly active in midfield.
Through constant physical challenges and interceptions, he gradually forced Sevilla's advanced shape backward.
Ben Yedder, who had been particularly lively since kickoff, soon caught Leo Lin's attention.
And once Leo Lin set his sights on you, you knew exactly what was coming.
Ben Yedder seemed to sense something. He turned his head and locked eyes with Leo Lin, gazing at him with what he thought was a tender look.
Ben Yedder was sure his expression was affectionate—but Leo Lin clearly wasn't returning the sentiment.
As Jon Champion spoke, Sevilla's attack surged forward once again.
Predictably, it came down the left. Escudero played a sharp through ball, once more finding Joaquín Correa.
Correa slid a neat pass across to Ben Yedder, then immediately made a run, looking for the return.
Ben Yedder lifted his foot to play the through ball—but suddenly saw Leo Lin charging straight at him!
The tension among Liverpool fans spiked instantly.
Leo Lin was moving so fast that he was almost a blur on camera.
He launched himself at Ben Yedder.
No matter what, he had to stop that pass to Correa.
"BANG!!!"
Ben Yedder clutched his leg and screamed in pain as he crashed to the turf.
Leo Lin, however, was completely unaffected. After a perfectly timed challenge, he sprang back to his feet. Arnold walked over and patted him in thanks—otherwise, Ben Yedder might have split the defense wide open.
"My word!"
"That was ferocious!"
"Leo Lin!"
"A brutally precise sliding tackle to stop Ben Yedder's through ball!"
"What a tackle—the referee says no foul!"
"But…"
"I can't even imagine how much pain Ben Yedder must be in right now!"
...
(60 Chapters Ahead)
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