As the players took up their positions, Hillebrand clenched his fists, mentally warming himself up to get into the rhythm of the match.
"It's going to be tough, but I'm ready to hold this side up," he muttered to Lucas, who gave him a slight smile and a nod.
Outside the pitch, a small but growing group of club employees was gathering. It was rare to see a match between the development teams so heated.
The rumor had started with a cleaner who was passing by and witnessed Willian and Arthur's performance in the first half.
"You guys need to see this," he said to others in the cafeteria. "There are kids out there playing like professionals."
The group now included assistant analysts, physiotherapists and even a few administrators who left their desks to take a peek.
"Who's playing?" asked one of the first team's assistant coaches, attracted by the commotion.
