📍UEFA Headquarters – Nyon, Switzerland
10:30 AM – Champions League Draw
Mateo sat on the couch, Klara beside him, her hand resting softly on her belly. A cup of tea steamed on the coffee table. The Champions League draw was streaming on the TV.
His phone buzzed.
Bruno:"Let's just avoid City."
Mateo:"I want Bayern."
The draw advanced.
Fourth pairing:
Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich
He nodded slowly, not surprised. Klara glanced at him.
"¿Eso es algo personal?""Is that personal?"
"Un poco.""A little."
🏆 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS
Barcelona vs. Arsenal
Napoli vs. Manchester City
Real Madrid vs. Benfica
Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich
🧠 SYSTEM LOG
Match Logged: Quarterfinal vs. Bayern Munich
Buff Activated: Familiar Grounds→ +5% composure vs. former club
Optional Quest: Make Them Regret It→ Score or assist in both legs→ Reward: Hidden Passive Skill
⚽ PREMIER LEAGUE – UPCOMING MATCHES
Manchester United vs. Aston Villa
Brighton vs. Manchester United
Manchester United vs. Liverpool
At Carrington, Amorim had made it clear:
"We're still in three competitions. Champions League is huge, but so is the league. Don't lose focus."
🏡 THAT EVENING – MATEO'S APARTMENT
A knock echoed at the front door.
Mateo opened it — and his heart lifted instantly.
His mother stood there, suitcase in one hand, a Tupperware in the other.
"Hola, mi niño.""Hi, my boy."
"Mamá…""Mom…"
They hugged tightly.
"Vine para cuidar de Klara... y de ti también, aunque tú no lo admitas.""I came to take care of Klara... and you too, even if you won't admit it."
Klara appeared from the hallway, smiling brightly.
"¡Señora González!""Mrs. González!"
"Ay, no seas tan formal. Ven aquí, mi niña.""Oh, don't be so formal. Come here, my girl."
They hugged warmly.
🍽 FAMILY DINNER
Mateo's mother insisted on cooking that night.
She made lentils, roast chicken, and a salad with warm dressing. Klara tried to help — but was quickly ordered to sit.
"Estás creciendo a mi nieto. Eso es más que suficiente por hoy.""You're growing my grandchild. That's more than enough work for today."
Mateo laughed as he chopped vegetables.
"¿Y yo qué hago?""And what about me?"
"Tú puedes lavar los platos.""You can wash the dishes."
Later, as Klara lay on the couch, his mother and Mateo cleaned the kitchen quietly.
"Se ve fuerte.""She looks strong."
"Lo es. Y también es terca.""She is. And she's stubborn too."
"Como cierto futbolista que conozco.""Like a certain footballer I know."
They shared a quiet laugh.
"Vas a ser un buen padre, Mateo.""You're going to be a good father, Mateo."
He looked down at the dishes, then back at her.
"Espero que sí.""I hope so."