Sky Sports front page headline: "Lin makes a bold vow to deliver Liverpool's first-ever Premier League title!"
Manchester Evening News: "The dominance of Manchester's two giants in the modern Premier League is coming to an end!"
BBC headline: "Liverpool stand on the brink of history. This squad has the chance to define a new era!"
The next day, Leo Lin's declaration shot to the top of trending charts, racking up over ten million views as countless Liverpool fans flooded in to like and comment.
Klopp seized the moment during the pre-match press conference, calling on all Liverpool supporters to attend the final two league matches and give the team maximum support.
"I hope every Liverpool fan can come to Anfield. We need you. You are our most loyal 12th man!"
The Premier League title decider had officially begun!
On May 8, Matchday 36 of the Premier League, Liverpool hosted Brighton at Anfield.
Brighton, with several quality players, were dangerous on the counterattack. However, due to the heavy toll of the FA Cup final, Klopp rotated his squad, leaving the Fantastic Four on the bench to rest.
Anfield was packed. Brighton were allocated only 3,000 away tickets, while the rest were completely taken by Liverpool fans.
"You'll Never Walk Alone" echoed throughout the stadium from kickoff and never stopped.
Up front, Lallana and Danny Ings formed the attacking line, with Milner once again deployed as a right winger.
Emre Can returned from suspension and started.
A classic all-rounder without a single standout trait, Emre Can still delivered a solid performance against Brighton's midfield. He wanted to make amends and apologize to the fans, and the best way to do that was on the pitch.
Liverpool controlled possession early on, but Brighton's counters remained sharp, and the game stayed tight.
Until the 37th minute.
Milner cut the ball back, and Emre Can struck it cleanly into the net.
After scoring, Emre Can ran to the touchline and made an apologetic gesture toward the fans. In response, the Liverpool supporters erupted in cheers, showing their full support.
With the lead, Liverpool became more cautious.
In the second half, Brighton nearly equalized through Propper on a quick counter, but Mignolet produced a stunning reflex save, a world-class stop to keep Liverpool ahead.
In the 70th minute, Mané and Salah came on, continuing to attack down the flanks.
After coming on, the two constantly created one-on-one situations. Even when they could not beat their defenders, they forced clearances out of play, keeping possession firmly with Liverpool.
Time began to slip away, and Liverpool maintained control of the rhythm.
In the 87th minute, Firmino and Leo Lin were introduced, with Klopp looking to secure the result.
At full time, Liverpool won 1-0, grinding out a hard-fought victory over a stubborn Brighton side.
Jon Champion explained the title race situation to viewers.
"Manchester City also won this round, so the gap remains five points."
"With two matches left, if Liverpool win in Matchday 37, they will clinch the Premier League title and secure the club's first-ever trophy in the competition with a game to spare."
"However, if they draw or lose to Chelsea, and Manchester City win, the gap could shrink to three or even two points."
"With City's goal difference not inferior, the title race would then go down to the final round."
"Liverpool cannot afford any mistakes. They must win in Matchday 37 to secure the title early. That is the safest path."
There was a trace of tension in Jon Champion's voice. Any Liverpool supporter would struggle not to recall that infamous slip at a moment like this.
It almost felt like a curse.
With the starters fully rested, Klopp pushed the staff to ensure every player was physically and mentally recovered.
The most advanced recovery equipment was used, combining extreme cold therapy with heat therapy in alternating cycles.
Even showers were regulated under a strict three-minute routine: one minute cold, one minute hot, one minute warm, maximizing muscle recovery.
The team had entered the most intense phase. Everyone was fully locked in.
Mané stopped using his grandparents' arguments as an excuse to skip massages.
Salah went to the gym every day for extra core training.
Firmino pushed himself hard with squats.
Leo Lin trained daily in the pool, sprinting through the water to improve explosiveness, speed, and flexibility.
On the other side, Conte's Chelsea were just as prepared. They refused to be stepping stones, and Conte made that clear more than once.
The entire football world turned its attention to England.
May 15. Premier League Matchday 37.
A win would give Liverpool their first-ever Premier League title.
Sky Sports released a pre-match poster. Captain Henderson and Leo Lin stood side by side, holding torches, the Premier League trophy above them half-lit by flames.
Title: "The Final Battle!"
Liverpool were ready. In peak condition, they awaited Chelsea at Anfield.
May 13.
"Conte declares Chelsea will go all out to beat Liverpool!"
May 14.
"Klopp organizes team-building activities to ease tension."
May 15.
"The decisive clash approaches. Both teams arrive at Anfield!"
May 15, 4 PM, under clear skies.
With one hour to kickoff, Anfield was already completely full.
Red smoke filled the air. The Liverpool crest was raised high. Flags waved across the stands.
The entire city was alive.
Fans without tickets gathered outside the stadium, packed in layer after layer.
Most companies had given employees the day off. Those that had not saw many simply skip work.
They stood outside Anfield, listening to the roar from within, waiting for the result.
The camera swept across their faces. Anticipation. Tension. Excitement.
Then it cut back to the pitch.
Kickoff was approaching.
Both teams submitted their starting lineups.
ESPN broadcast.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Derek Rae, and I'm joined today by Jon Champion, who's our guest for this match."
"The match is about to begin!"
"A blockbuster clash. A historic showdown!"
"This match will decide whether Liverpool can win their first-ever Premier League title!"
"Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both sides!"