"What makes a competition like the UEFA Super Cup so appealing to European fans is that it brings the Champions League winner and the Europa League winner together for one decisive battle."
"The Champions League and the Europa League are currently the two biggest European club competitions, and the winners of those two tournaments will fight for the UEFA Super Cup."
...
August 29, Official Special Feature.
Henry and Scholes were discussing the UEFA Super Cup. With the final about to begin, there was no doubt that most fans favored the Champions League winners.
But Atlético de Madrid were not to be underestimated either. After strengthening their squad during the summer transfer window, their overall level had risen even higher.
Under Argentine manager Simeone, Atlético de Madrid played a tough, physical brand of football. They never feared contact on the pitch and were famous for their all out Retreating Defense, with every player charging back like a hungry tiger. They were regarded as the best defensive team in European football today, and many fans did not even want to add "one of" to that description.
"When people talk about Atlético de Madrid, the first thing they focus on is always their defense."
"Last season, because their earlier results were not good enough, they were forced into the Europa League. Once they got there, Atlético showed the kind of power that swept everything aside."
"They already had the ability to compete in the Champions League, so playing in the Europa League was practically a mismatch. After winning the Europa League title, Atlético will definitely want to beat their direct opponent in the UEFA Super Cup, Liverpool, and use that victory to prove their strength."
"It's also worth mentioning that Spain's main striker, Diego Costa, will be meeting his teammate Leo Lin. The two were teammates at the World Cup that just ended, but now they'll be on opposite sides."
After Liverpool began their pre match training camp, Atlético de Madrid had already set off early for Camp Nou. In truth, they did not have to travel far.
That's right. This year's UEFA Super Cup final would be held at Camp Nou.
It was a great stadium, one that had witnessed the rise of countless superstars. Talent had never been in short supply here. There was the steady stream from La Masia's youth academy, as well as gifted young players from all over the world who came here chasing their dreams, all hoping to grow until they could reach the first team.
With this year's UEFA Super Cup final scheduled for Camp Nou, Atlético de Madrid arrived at a nearby hotel six days in advance, then began their training sessions on the pitch.
Liverpool, meanwhile, arrived at their hotel the day before the match and held a training session that same afternoon. After disappearing from public view for quite some time, Liverpool's first team finally appeared before the media again.
Countless reporters had staked out the area outside Liverpool's hotel, all hoping to interview even one player. Any player would do.
If they were lucky enough to get captain Henderson or the team's core player Leo Lin, it would mean an even bigger payday for those journalists.
...
August 30, 6:00 p.m.
The Liverpool players had just finished their training session at Camp Nou and were returning to the hotel.
The team bus slowly pulled up at the hotel entrance. As soon as the players got off, security immediately formed a human wall to stop reporters from making sudden approaches.
"Lin, please, give me an interview."
"I only have one question. Just answer one question for me. Even one sentence is enough."
Leo Lin only smiled at the reporters. These days, he mostly accepted interviews only from Sky Sports, the BBC, and official Premier League reporters.
As for the rest of the media, especially reporters from certain unscrupulous tabloids who loved playing paparazzi and pulling disgusting tricks, Leo Lin had no interest in dealing with them.
Because of that, he rarely accepted interviews from those kinds of outlets.
The reporters were this frantic for one reason only.
The UEFA Super Cup showdown was about to begin.
...
August 31, 7:30 p.m. European time. Half an hour remained before kickoff.
Both sides had already submitted their starting lineups. After adjustments during the transfer window, Atlético de Madrid's starting lineup had been strengthened considerably.
In the official broadcast studio, the brand new commentary team was ready.
"Welcome, everyone, to the UEFA Super Cup final. This is the final major battle before the new season begins."
"After a long off season, we finally have a match to watch again. I'm sure the fans watching right now are just as excited as I am!"
Ashley Cole smiled as he greeted the fans watching the broadcast. Beside him, Scholes began introducing the starting lineups.
"Both teams have submitted their starting elevens. First, let's take a look at Atlético de Madrid. Simeone has set them up in a 4 4 2, a formation he knows extremely well."
"Goalkeeper: Oblak."
"Defenders: Lucas Hernández, Godín, Savic, Juanfran."
"Midfielders: Lemar, Saúl, Thomas, Koke."
"Forwards: Diego Costa, Griezmann."
"As for Liverpool, their lineup has undergone a few changes compared with last season."
"Goalkeeper: Mignolet."
"Defenders: Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Arnold."
"Midfielders: Henderson, Leo Lin, Fabinho."
"Forwards: Mané, Firmino, Salah."
"On the bench, they also have strong players such as Rodri, Shaqiri, and Wijnaldum!"
Liverpool's locker room was calm. There was no shouting or noise. After Klopp gave a few brief tactical reminders, the team headed out toward the pitch.
Henderson led Liverpool into the players' tunnel. Players from both sides greeted each other amicably, then stepped onto the Camp Nou pitch amid the roar of the crowd.
That long missed feeling of being on the pitch again.
Leo Lin stood in the center of Camp Nou, took a deep breath, and looked around.
The cheering fans.
The raised hands.
He smiled.
"Ready."
Leo Lin looked toward Atlético de Madrid.
"Ready."
"Here we come!"