The big day has finally arrived. After a long season in the first regional division of Magnesia, the lowest point Olympiakos Volou has ever reached in their modern history, the reds must make a final push to secure their return to the national level. Olympiakos Volou is one of the two big clubs in the city of Volos, alongside rivals Niki Volou. A decade ago they went as far as playing Europa League qualifiers, but their fortunes have since declined.

Atromitos didn’t have it easy either. The small town of Palamas was heavily affected by the tragic floods that hit the broader region of Karditsa a few months ago. The team was forced to play all their games away from home for half the season, but they have come back strong and are now also contending for a spot in Gamma Ethniki (3rd national division).

For a team to be promoted to Gamma Ethniki, they must finish first in the first regional division (4th level). After that, they are placed in a playoff group with six other teams, each of which is the champion of their respective region. The top three teams in this group are ultimately promoted. All teams of the group play each other only one time, either home or away. Olympiakos Volou is the champion of the Magnesia region and Atromitos the champion of Karditsa, they are both favourites for promotion and today’s match is the first in this series.

The stakes are high and both sides want to get off to a good start. Fans from Volos are arriving at Palamas in cars and their ultras in coaches. The locals on the other hand are all there too, their own little ultra group is there as well with green banners, a drum and smoke bombs. The stadium is full, only the early arrivals have managed to find a seat in the stands—football as it should be.

The match itself wasn't particularly thrilling. Both teams appeared nervous but the Austrians, as Olympiakos Volou are nicknamed, ultimately had better control of the game. Although Volos had one player sent off after receiving a second yellow card in first-half injury time, their rivals didn’t manage to take advantage of that. The visiting side even managed to score with a beautiful header in the 69th minute. Toward the end of the game, Atromitos did apply some pressure and managed to score, but the goal was ruled offside. The final whistle saw the reds take the much-needed three points.