Eventually, with the chill growing and dinnertime approaching, they made their way back to the hotel, footsteps lighter and hearts steadied by their shared resolve. Tomorrow would be one of the biggest days of their young lives. They would be ready to face it together.
Back at the hotel that night, the mood was subdued yet optimistic. After a hearty team dinner (where plates of pasta vanished in record time to refuel tired bodies), the players had been encouraged to head to their rooms for an early night. Still, a few of the boys lingered in the lobby, reluctant to let the day end.
Amani, Malik, Tijmen, and Amrabat sat together on a plush couch, recounting some of the day's highlights. They spoke in low voices out of respect for other guests, but their excitement animated every whisper and gesture. Malik was in the middle of reenacting his sliding knee celebration from the Anderlecht game (miniaturized with hand motions) when a familiar voice interrupted.
