On the bus ride home, Mateo and Lukas sat together, reflecting on the game. "That was intense," Lukas sighed. "The pace, the physicality – it was another level."
"That's the Bundesliga. Every match is a battle. But you did well. You were calm, you were composed, and you made a difference."
"I was so nervous when Klopp called my name."
"Everyone is nervous in their debut. But you handled it perfectly. You should be proud."
Lukas smiled, a tired but satisfied smile. "I am. And I can't wait for the next one."
Mateo looked out the window at the passing landscape, the setting sun casting long shadows across the fields. The draw at Augsburg was a reminder that the season would be a long, arduous journey. There would be ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. But as long as they stayed together, as long as they fought for each other, they would be a force to be reckoned with.
