The journey to Hannover was conducted in the focused but relaxed atmosphere that had become characteristic of Dortmund's away trips.
The emotional turmoil of the previous days had subsided, replaced by a quiet determination to maintain their position at the top of the Bundesliga table.
For Mateo, the match against Hannover 96 represented more than just another league fixture; it was a test of his ability to compartmentalize personal challenges and deliver a professional performance when it mattered most.
The argument with Isabella, and the subsequent reconciliation, had been a significant emotional milestone. It had deepened their relationship but also highlighted the inherent fragility of maintaining a connection across such distances and different realities.
The experience had left him with a new appreciation for the mental and emotional discipline required to succeed at the highest level of professional sport.
