"For Liverpool, Klopp once again goes with his trusted 4-3-3 formation."
"Goalkeeper Mignolet. Left-back Robertson. Right-back Arnold."
"At center-back, Lovren partners Matip."
"In midfield, Lucas and Henderson form the double pivot, with Leo Lin playing as the single central midfielder."
"On the left wing, Mané. On the right, Salah. And Firmino leads the line!"
"The iconic Wembley Stadium, a symbol of honor, awaits the two sides!"
Wembley Stadium—England's premier football venue and one of the most modern stadiums in the world.
More than seventy thousand spectators are ready, with over thirty thousand Liverpool supporters in attendance.
More than two hundred European online media platforms are broadcasting the match live!
Sky Sports' commentary booth.
"Hello again, football fans!"
The commentators are ready.
"A truly top-level showdown is about to begin—Liverpool versus Arsenal. The winner will lift the EFL Cup, the trophy that represents the very peak of English football!"
Klopp's lineup is clearly targeted, designed to create a midfield structure where Lucas and Henderson double up to protect Leo Lin.
Arsenal, meanwhile, pair Xhaka with Wilshere, just as clearly to shield Ramsey.
Both teams make their final preparations in the dressing rooms. After several deep breaths, Leo Lin gradually settles himself.
Being completely calm is almost impossible—people are emotional by nature. And this is his first final, the first chance in his career to win a major trophy. Leo Lin desperately wants this victory.
Klopp claps his hands, calling everyone together.
"Guys, this is our first final," Klopp says, sweeping his gaze across the group.
"I still can't quite believe you've made it this far."
"Only I know how much you've sacrificed, but only you yourselves know just how good you really are."
"There's no need to fear Arsenal. We're fully prepared."
"Let's take this damn trophy!"
The players huddle together. Klopp pats Leo Lin and signals for him to say a few words.
"Lin, say something to the lads."
Leo Lin thinks for a moment, then speaks.
"I don't know how you all feel, but for me, this is a match I absolutely cannot lose."
"My first final as a professional—I'll fight with everything I have!"
He looks around at his teammates.
"Friends!"
"I'm willing to give everything for this trophy—I swear it!"
"I'd rather retire on the spot than lose this final!"
"I refuse to return to Liverpool with my head down!"
The entire team roars together:
"Win the trophy!!!"
Three minutes later.
"Football fans, the EFL Cup final is about to kick off!"
"The two starting lineups are on the pitch—the match is moments away!"
Leo Lin keeps bouncing lightly as he warms up, waiting for the opening whistle.
Xhaka stares at him, his eyes filled with anger.
The first time he faced Leo Lin in the league, Xhaka had been physically overwhelmed. After that match, the internet was flooded with jokes about Leo Lin being Xhaka's natural counter. Now, meeting again in the final, Xhaka is determined to fight with everything he has to reclaim his pride.
Referee Oliver signals his readiness.
"Beep!!!"
The whistle blows.
The match begins!
"We're underway!"
"Football fans, the EFL Cup final has officially kicked off—Arsenal get us started!"
"Straight into their opening tactic, a long ball toward the right flank!"
"Sanchez brings it down, sharp stop, cuts inside!"
Sanchez's powerful thighs explode as he brakes suddenly, creating space in an instant.
He then lifts his foot and curls a cross toward the far post, a beautiful arc aimed straight at Lacazette!
Lacazette jumps on the spot and snaps a header toward goal!
"Bang!!!"
"Lovren collides with Lacazette, and Mignolet comes out to claim the ball!"
"Danger cleared!"
"Arsenal have started very aggressively—they're clearly looking to score early."
Arsenal keep pressing, pushing forward at every opportunity.
Liverpool respond in kind, pressing high and forcing Arsenal's shape deeper and deeper.
Both sides quickly settle into the rhythm of the match.
Ninth minute.
"Ramsey drops back, receives the ball, turns!"
"Leo Lin closes him down immediately—tight pressure!"
Ramsey is Arsenal's engine, but Leo Lin braces against him, holding firm without giving an inch.
Ramsey tries to force the turn, but Leo Lin stays solid, then steps in decisively.
Reaching out with a foot is a defensive taboo—easy to beat unless you're absolutely sure you'll win the ball.
"Bang!"
Leo Lin cleanly wins possession.
He immediately drives his shoulder through Ramsey, knocking him aside!
"Great interception!"
"Liverpool have a counterattacking chance!"
"Leo Lin surges forward with the ball!"
He carries the ball upfield with composure, then suddenly bursts forward, forcing Arsenal's midfield to retreat step by step.
Xhaka grits his teeth and steps up for a one-on-one challenge!
Facing Xhaka, Leo Lin glances to both sides out of the corner of his eye, drops his shoulder, and takes a single explosive step forward.
Xhaka reads it—left side!
He hurriedly twists his body, trying to get into position, but the very next second—
A rush of wind passes by, followed by a dark blur.
Gone in an instant.
Xhaka freezes.
That was…
Lin???
From the broadcast angle, the fans see it perfectly.
"One move!"
"Xhaka beaten in a single step!"
"Leo Lin's burst is just too fast!"
Leo Lin glides past Xhaka and continues driving forward.
His close-control dribbling in tight spaces is both sharp and elegant.
Wilshere is still chasing. Leo Lin pauses again, feints, then cuts left once more!
The subtle movement completely catches Wilshere off guard.
Wilshere feels his body tilt backward, then crashes down.
"Boom!!!"
Exclamations erupt across commentary booths everywhere.
"Wilshere's been sent to the ground!!!"
"Leo Lin beats two men and drives straight into Arsenal's penalty area!"
Arsenal's defense is laid bare in front of him. Tension spreads through the stadium as everyone holds their breath, waiting to see what Leo Lin does next.
The two center-backs split their duties—one steps up to block Leo Lin, the other sticks tightly to Firmino.
But Arsenal still don't seem to understand: one-on-one, they simply aren't a match for Leo Lin.
Facing Monreal charging in, Leo Lin stamps on the ball and stops dead, lifting his foot for what looks like a long-range shot—his boot nearly touching the ball.
Monreal drops into his trademark half-crouch, executing a textbook block.
If Leo Lin shoots here, it would be a perfect defensive read.
But in the very next instant, Leo Lin turns the shooting motion into an inside cut.
His left foot, poised to strike, instead slices lightly across the ball, slipping past Monreal!
He draws the bow, creates space, and then fixes his deep, unwavering gaze on Petr Cech.
The legendary goalkeeper has exceptional instincts. Yet the moment Leo Lin locks onto him, Cech feels a sudden chill run through his body.
In that split second, all his courage and confidence seem to drain away, as if an abyss itself is staring back at him.
And he knows—no matter what he does, he cannot stop the shot that is about to come.