Today was the last matchday of the regular season in the third amateur division of Athens. Asteras Exarchion (who you can read more about here) took on the B team of Agios Dimitrios. This match was coincidentally the return leg of the only game from this division that I saw this year. I had seen Asteras beat Agios Dimitrios away easily with a score of 2-5, and today it was the latter’s turn to pay Asteras a visit for the season finale. The team from Exarchia were only relegated from the second division last year and everything suggests they have a good chance of returning very soon. A win today would crown them champions and secure a spot in the promotion play-offs. Their opponents are just a reserve side, sitting at the bottom of the table, so the task today seemed relatively easy.

I arrived at the stadium about half an hour before kick-off and the stand was already very crowded. Many people had turned up to see Asteras win the championship and their fans had prepared a tifo involving a big banner, flags, and smoke bombs. The usual banners were hung at the front, along with one from Asteras’ friends, Omonia Nicosia, as well as another demanding justice for Panegialios’ fans (image 7) who were arrested during recent scuffles with the police. It was a rather hot day and the sun was shining brightly. Sun is inescapable at Alepotripa, but this time I had learnt from past mistakes and came equipped with sunglasses and a hat.

The game kicked off a bit past 17:00 and smoke covered the entire stand, accompanied by loud singing. The game itself didn’t prove to be as exciting as the atmosphere. The difference in level between the two teams was quite evident and Asteras managed to open the scoring early on. More flares were lit and around the 20th minute, the home side doubled their lead. The second half began with another round of pyroshow. Asteras comfortably maintained their lead as the match eventually came to an end. The championship title was secured and players and fans celebrated enthusiastically together with — what else — more flares.