The golden autumn light filtering through the Westfalenstadion's towering stands on September 28, 2013, seemed to illuminate more than just the pristine pitch below, highlighting the transformation of a sixteen-year-old boy into the creative heartbeat of one of Europe's most exciting football teams.
As Mateo completed his pre-match warm-up routine, the anticipation from the 80,000 Yellow Wall faithful was palpable, their voices already rising in songs that had become as familiar as his own heartbeat.
"Environmental analysis: optimal conditions for attacking football," the System observed as Mateo stretched near the center circle, his movements fluid and confident after a week of perfect preparation. "Temperature 18°C, light wind, pitch condition excellent. Crowd enthusiasm reaching maximum levels for home fixture."
