Mateo spent the flight listening to music and reviewing the tactical notes he had made throughout the week.
He visualized the movements of Chelsea's players, the spaces he would look to exploit, the moments where he could make a decisive impact. He ran through the free-kick routines he had been practicing, the different techniques he could use depending on the distance and angle of the opportunity.
Upon their arrival in London, the team was greeted by a media scrum at the airport, the flashing cameras and shouted questions a stark reminder of the magnitude of the occasion. They were quickly ushered onto the team bus and transported to their hotel, a luxurious but anonymous bubble that would be their home for the next two days.
The evening brought the traditional pre-match walk at the stadium, a chance for the players to familiarize themselves with the pitch and the surroundings before the chaos of match day.
