The Signal Iduna Park stood like a cathedral of football in the afternoon light, its imposing yellow and black facade reflecting the passion and tradition that had made it one of Europe's most intimidating venues for visiting teams.
For Mateo, walking toward the stadium on match day had become a ritual that never lost its power to inspire, the sight of the famous South Stand already beginning to fill with supporters whose voices would soon create the acoustic backdrop for another chapter in Dortmund's championship pursuit.
The pre-match routine had evolved into a carefully choreographed sequence of preparation that balanced individual needs with collective requirements.
Mateo arrived at the stadium three hours before kickoff, his timing calculated to allow for the physical and mental preparation that had become essential to his performance while avoiding the media circus that inevitably surrounded high-profile matches.
