Demien had barely reached the mixed zone corridor before a UEFA media officer redirected him toward a smaller room set up with a backdrop, a trophy stand and two cameras.
"Five minutes," she told him. "Photos first, then the broadcaster wants a couple of minutes."
He nodded, still in his kit, sweat cooling under the away shirt.
The trophy itself was smaller than he'd expected, a simple UEFA Champions League Player of the Match plaque rather than anything elaborate. He held it for the photographers, shook hands with the official presenting it, and was moved along toward the interview backdrop before the moment had time to become anything more than procedure.
The broadcaster's reporter had her earpiece in, waiting for the cue. "Demien, congratulations — Player of the Match after a five-two win here in Istanbul. One goal, two assists. Talk us through the night."
