Today was the final fixture of the first amateur division of Athens. Last weekend Holargos played their most important game of the season against Halandri away but I stupidly forgot my SD card at home. They needed at least a draw to stay in the first place, but somehow managed to lose once again after the defeat at Iraklio. Fans and players cried altogether as they saw the collective efforts of a whole season go to waste and the dream of promotion to the third division for the first time being crushed. Up until a few weeks ago everyone was sure that today’s game would be a celebration of the league title but fate had different plans. It technically wasn’t over, but the outcome was not in their hands anymore; if they win today and Doxa Vironos draw or lose they will be the champions. But there was almost zero chance Doxa would let this happen.

The atmosphere at the stands today was very different. No one really knew how to feel. Holargos had started off the season as an underdog; a humble team, relying on a very young squad mainly composed of players from the team’s academy. No one expected them to be chasing the title by the end of the season and some of those kids had really given it their all on the pitch. But at the same time, when just a few months back you were sitting comfortably at the top of the table, 12 points clear of the second, and manage to lose the lead just before the finale, the disappointment is big.

Everyone was heartbroken but they didn’t stay at home. The curve behind the goal was once more occupied by the dedicated fans, for one last time this season. The feelings were very mixed; some were upset, others were still hoping for a miracle and others were trying to cut through the gloom with a joke.

Holargos did their part, playing decisively and scoring a goal, but soon the news came from the other end that Doxa had scored; and then again, and again. It was over.

The fans never stopped singing. But this time they weren’t singing for anyone but themselves. For the love of the shirt, the badge, the neighbourhood. And sometimes, the purest and most impactful support comes in moments like these, when everything is decided and you find yourself singing just for the love of it all. I guess in the end of the day it’s those moments that matter the most. It’s everything precious that you’ve gathered so far; the dream, the emotions, the laughter and the tears. It’s the memories gathered during the season that you cherish and hold on to while patiently waiting for the summer to end, before you start all over again.