McTominay's celebration ignited the entire Anfield crowd.
Liverpool fans responded with a storm of boos, anger pouring from every corner of the stadium.
The scuffle on the sidelines was still ongoing. The referee rushed over and immediately produced red cards for both Mourinho and Klopp, who were still tangled up in the confrontation, sending both managers straight to the stands!
"Mourinho and Klopp have both been sent to the stands! Neither of them will be allowed to direct the match from the bench!"
"The conflict is gradually calming down. Mourinho has taken a seat in the Manchester United supporters' section. United fans are applauding him, and he looks extremely smug."
Klopp, meanwhile, took his place in Liverpool's South Stand, surrounded by cheering supporters and applauded by the crowd.
The match resumed, but the tension on the pitch only intensified.
McTominay's provocative celebration had clearly angered the Liverpool players.
40th minute!
"Manchester United once again launch a long ball from the back, targeting Sanchez."
"He lays it off to McTominay—Henderson charges straight in and knocks McTominay to the ground!"
"The referee immediately shows a yellow card, and both sides are clashing again!"
"No doubt about it—that was a deliberate foul from Henderson!"
"He wanted to teach McTominay a lesson. As Liverpool's captain, Henderson would never allow Manchester United players to run wild at Anfield!"
Henderson was clever.
After knocking McTominay down, he immediately turned and walked away quickly as if nothing had happened.
Behind him, Manchester United players rushed over, all looking to confront Henderson.
But Leo Lin quickly stepped in behind his captain, planted himself firmly, and stretched out his arms—physically blocking Matic and Lukaku!
Not a single step back!
Liverpool players surrounded their captain, shielding him.
Manchester United players tried to shove past Leo Lin to get at Henderson, but they simply couldn't break through.
Leo Lin stood there—one man holding off three opponents.
Lukaku was furious, his massive frame repeatedly crashing into Leo Lin like a battering ram, but Leo Lin didn't move an inch.
The referee raised the yellow card in warning.
"Henderson has already been booked. If anyone else wants to start something, I won't hesitate to hand out more yellow cards!"
Manchester United's players had no choice but to back down.
The remaining minutes of the half quickly passed.
The atmosphere remained explosive. Even as the players entered the tunnel, McTominay and Henderson broke into another argument before being pulled apart and dragged back to their respective dressing rooms by staff.
...
Across various livestream chats:
"No problem—this is exactly how a derby should look."
"Honestly, modern football has toned down the intensity of these rivalries, but this match feels like a real derby again."
"Liverpool need to stay calm. This is Mourinho's tactic. The more chaotic the game becomes, the more it benefits Manchester United while they're leading."
...
Sky Sports studio.
Neville was still buzzing, reliving McTominay's first-half goal.
"No wonder he's one of Mourinho's favorite midfielders. That header from McTominay was brilliant."
"The great manager Mourinho!"
"The great midfielder McTominay!"
"Did you see that, Gerrard?"
Gerrard glanced at Neville and shot back:
"See what?"
"The game isn't over yet, Neville. Careful—you might regret saying that."
Neville shrugged, looking completely unconcerned.
...
Meanwhile, in Liverpool's dressing room, Klopp used his phone to pass new instructions to the coaching staff.
Assistant coach Krawietz stood in front of the tactical board.
"Alright, everyone stay calm and listen."
"We played well in the first half."
"Your reactions were fine too. But the second half is a new game—forget the first half."
"We need clearer attacking coordination. Wijnaldum will handle progression and ball control. Lin pushes forward."
"When we attack, Salah moves into the center of the box and frees up the right flank for Lin."
"Or Mané moves inside the box and frees up the left side. Lin will make forward runs as the fourth attacker."
"Get into the box. Look for shots or assists."
"Remember—attack! Increase the tempo!"
"Our only task is to score first!"
Leo Lin understood immediately.
In the second half, he would take on a new tactical role—a forward-surging attacking threat.
...
The second half began soon after.
Manchester United continued with their defensive counterattack approach, parking the bus.
The Mourinho bus was in full effect—tight, compact, and extremely difficult to break down.
Leo Lin relied on the explosive acceleration of his first few steps, repeatedly making penetrating runs as Liverpool's fourth attacking option, searching for space to receive the ball.
Under Leo Lin's relentless pressure, cracks finally began to appear in Manchester United's midfield and defense.
60th minute!
"Liverpool advancing through the middle. Arnold carries the ball forward, but there's no one ahead to receive it. Salah has already moved into the box."
Valencia followed Salah into the penalty area, leaving Manchester United's left flank completely exposed!
Leo Lin immediately surged forward with long strides.
Arnold's through pass arrived at the perfect moment.
Smalling rushed wide to cover, but as a center-back facing Leo Lin on the flank, he inevitably looked clumsy.
McTominay dropped back to help, forming a front-and-back defensive line with Smalling.
Leo Lin exploded down the right wing.
One powerful burst—and he blew past McTominay!
Then he dropped his shoulder, cut sharply inside, and forced a sudden change of direction.
Another explosive step—and Smalling was left behind too!
In an instant, Leo Lin had space to shoot.
De Gea rushed out.
Leo Lin didn't even adjust.
Calmly, he pushed the ball toward goal.
Right through De Gea's legs!
"BANG!!!"
"SWOOSH!!!"
Gerrard punched the air and roared.
All the frustration and anger burst out in that moment.
"GOAL!!!"
"Brilliant!!!"
"Leo Lin scores on the breakaway and equalizes!"
"Liverpool strike back in the 60th minute and level the score!"
"One–one!!!"
Jon Champion shouted passionately.
"Leo Lin finds the net!"
"A one-on-one breakaway after beating two defenders! Arnold's exquisite through ball splits the defense and finds Leo Lin perfectly!"
"Leo Lin wastes no time—using his explosive pace, one huge stride leaves McTominay behind!"
"Then a shoulder feint and inside cut to push past Smalling into the box!"
"And finally a low shot from a tight angle—through De Gea's legs!"
"A beautiful nutmeg goal!"
"He's ice-cold in front of goal. Despite being a midfielder, he's calmer than most strikers in these situations!"
The broadcast camera followed a sprinting figure across Anfield.
Leo Lin raced toward the touchline.
He pointed toward Mourinho—sitting in the stands—and made a clear "shut up" gesture!
Immediately, the entire Anfield crowd followed his lead.
Every Liverpool fan raised their hands and made the same "shut up" gesture toward Mourinho!
Mourinho's face turned dark with rage.
He looked absolutely furious—but there was nothing he could do.
Not far away in the stands, Klopp pounded his chest and burst out laughing, hugging Liverpool fans beside him as they celebrated wildly.
Manchester United players tried to step forward and defend their manager.
But Leo Lin simply smiled, pointing at them while continuing the "shut up" gesture—especially toward McTominay.
At this moment—
Only the winner had the right to speak.
Jon Champion's voice rang out with excitement.
"When you choose to provoke Liverpool's fans, you have to be prepared for the moment it comes back to bite you."
"The advantage now belongs to Leo Lin!"
"Liverpool are firmly back in the fight!"
...
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