I set off on foot to Nea Ionia Stadium. Today was one of those grey days in Athens that make you think Autumn has finally arrived. And then you walk for five minutes in your jacket and realise you’re sweating like it’s still summer…

Nea Ionia's stadium is primarily home to Nea Ionia FC, the main team of the area, who are currently doing well in the third division. The club is quite well-supported, something that’s evident from the graffiti surrounding the ground. But today, it was FC Alsoupoli who were playing – a humble team from the small area of Alsoupoli in Nea Ionia, playing two levels below the area's big club.

Maroussi, the visiting side from the northern suburbs, is one of the oldest sports clubs in Greece. Their basketball department is particularly successful, having won a European cup in 2001. Their football team, though, has never experienced much glory.

When I arrived at the stadium, the atmosphere was dull, and the weather didn’t take long to feel cold again. I sat with the home fans, and everyone seemed to know each other, which made me feel like an impostor.

Maroussi, who were only promoted last season, played better in the first half and scored before receiving a straight red card for a foul. Their coach was also sent off for swearing, or something along those lines. During halftime, I overheard people saying that Alsoupoli hadn’t managed to create a single chance in ages – seemed about right. By the start of the second half, the crowd had warmed up, and the game became more suspenseful with Alsoupoli trying to equalise. They eventually did make it in the 71st minute, but that wasn’t enough. They were playing against ten men, and the crowd wanted a win. In the final minutes of the game, suspense peaked, and the quiet crowd I had encountered earlier was now fully engaged. Unfortunately, their team couldn’t give them a winning goal. The final whistle had blown. I started walking back home, only to take my jacket off again…