Real Madrid players collapsed onto the turf after a minute of relentless battle and a brutal penalty shootout. Faces streaked with sweat and tears reflected every shade of defeat—some were numb with disbelief, some openly mournful, and others had eyes reddened from holding back tears.
Heynckes walked slowly onto the field, placing a hand on each player's shoulder, murmuring quiet words of comfort. Inside, he felt the sting of the loss just as sharply, but his years had taught him to mask it, to shoulder the burden for the team. "We will come again," he said firmly, looking each player in the eye.
