"We have to be clear about what we're talking about—this is Juventus!"
"They've lost just one match in 24 Serie A rounds this season!"
"What kind of terrifying statistic is that?"
"In the Champions League group stage, even against strong opposition, Juventus were rock solid and marched all the way into the quarterfinals."
"In the Round of 16, they crushed Porto 10–0 on aggregate over two legs. That's dominance!"
"More importantly, I think this Juventus side is more familiar with Champions League knockout football than this Liverpool squad. They simply have more experience."
As the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals approached, Liverpool were set to travel to Juventus' home ground in Turin to face the Bianconeri.
In his pre-match prediction, Golden Boy Michael Owen once again tipped Juventus to win—much to Steven Gerrard's relief.
"You know, Owen," Gerrard joked, "I've prayed countless nights that you'd never back Liverpool—that you'd always predict their opponents to win."
"If that's the case, Liverpool would sweep every team in Europe."
As the most famous jinx in world football, no team wants to hear Owen predict their victory before kickoff.
When Juventus manager Allegri heard about Owen's prediction, his already tense nerves snapped completely.
He understood that this match wouldn't just be a tactical battle—it would also be a battle against fate itself.
Gerrard, however, knew full well that this would be a brutal contest for Liverpool, especially with the first leg away in Turin.
On February 22nd, Liverpool's charter flight departed for Juventus' home stadium in Turin—one of Serie A's most modern arenas, capable of holding tens of thousands of fans.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a consistently electric atmosphere, it was widely regarded as one of Serie A's true fortresses.
Allegri also posted a message before the match, urging Juventus fans to pack the stadium.
"I need your voices."
"Juventus needs your voices. This is a real battle—we're fighting for a place in the Champions League semifinals!"
Juventus were desperate to lift the Champions League trophy. Their captain and spiritual leader, the legendary goalkeeper Buffon, longed for it more than any active player.
It was the one trophy missing from his career Grand Slam.
On the evening of February 22nd, Liverpool checked into the most luxurious six-star hotel in the city.
After a brief team talk from Klopp, the players scattered to relax.
"Lin, one-on-one at pool. I guarantee I'll smash you."
The moment Firmino said that, the room burst into laughter.
"Firmino, are you out of your mind? Did you even hear yourself?"
"Firmino, I'll bet tomorrow's breakfast that Lin wipes the floor with you. If he's merciful, maybe it'll only be 5–0."
Firmino snorted dismissively, completely confident in his ability.
Half an hour later...
"Firmino, I told you—it was always going to be a massacre."
"Lin, you shouldn't have done him like that. Next time, leave this Brazilian some dignity."
Leo Lin grinned, slinging an arm around Firmino's shoulders as they headed back to their room. The two were roommates, with Firmino assigned to share with Leo Lin.
But even as he joked around, Leo Lin couldn't stop thinking about the upcoming knockout tie.
He believed that as long as Liverpool played to their normal level, they absolutely had what it took to reach the Champions League semifinals.
By "normal," he meant one thing—no nerves.
On the Champions League stage, especially in high-stakes knockout matches, countless players had made costly mistakes under pressure.
That was the mild version. History had even seen players mentally collapse from overwhelming tension.
Any regular Champions League viewer could instantly recall numerous moments when world-class stars committed fatal errors in knockout rounds.
No matter how big the name, even the greatest players had slipped up on this stage—defenders in particular.
And those mistakes could eliminate even the strongest teams.
Klopp had always believed that the hallmark of a truly elite side wasn't dazzling attacking play, but the ability to minimize basic errors.
That was Liverpool's mission in this match.
During their final walk-through training at the stadium in Turin, Klopp emphasized only one thing: stay calm.
February 24th, 7:00 PM CET.
The stadium in Turin.
Football broadcasters around the world went live simultaneously.
The cameras had already been rolling for an hour before kickoff, capturing Liverpool's team bus slowly pulling into the stadium.
Both the streets and the entrances were packed with Liverpool and Juventus supporters.
"Liverpool!!!"
"Liverpool!!!"
"Liverpool!!!"
Around 5,000 Liverpool fans had made the trip, chanting at full volume.
Juventus supporters quickly grew irritated by the away fans' energy.
"Look at these English guys—what are they so excited about?"
"I guarantee we'll put them back in their place within 30 minutes. We'll shut those Liverpool fans up!"
The Liverpool supporters fired right back, and a war of words broke out.
"So what have you achieved in the Champions League recently? Have you been that impressive?"
"Don't act like you've already won. You're nothing."
"You little zebra—black and white! Lin will run past you like he's crossing a zebra crossing on a green light!"
At 7:30 PM local time, with half an hour to kickoff, both sides submitted their starting lineups.
Broadcasts around the world went live simultaneously.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the match is about to begin."
"I'm your commentator for tonight's Champions League knockout clash."
"Both teams have confirmed their starting elevens. Let's start with Juventus."
"Goalkeeper: Buffon."
"Defenders: Alex Sandro, Chiellini, Benatia, De Sciglio."
"Midfielders: Matuidi, Pjanic, Khedira."
"Forwards: Mandzukic, Higuaín, Douglas Costa."
"Liverpool have also named their strongest available lineup."
"Goalkeeper: Mignolet."
"Defenders: Robertson, Lovren, Matip, Arnold."
"Midfielders: Henderson, Lucas, Leo Lin."
"Forwards: Mané, Firmino, Salah."
"The starting elevens are about to walk out onto the pitch!"
"The referee for tonight is the renowned European official Marciniak. The showdown is about to begin!"
...
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