Hellenic League of Champions Final Program

THE HELLENIC LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS FINAL

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAM

MYCENAE VS TROY CITY MOUNT OLYMPUS

INTRODUCTION TO THE HELLENIC LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS

MEET THE TEAMS

THE TOURNAMENT

Entering the tournament in pursuit of their ninth Hellenic League of Champions title, Mycenae have of course been a favorite amongst those looking to get their intra-Olympic betting fix. And they have certainly delivered on their promise, barely wavering in their desperation to face bitter rivals Troy City in their first ever HLC final battle. The club’s combination of experience, physicality and star power saw them overcome group stage opponents Kerameikos and Thebes without conceding a goal, before a more difficult undertaking against the wellorganized Scythian Archers tested the Mycenaeans’ ability to win late in the day.

Weary legs don’t serve one well for a match against 12-time winners, the ‘Galacticos’ of Corinth, and Mycenae fell 2-1 in their penultimate group game, with their two red cards indicative of their frustration. As the poets say though, champions are defined by their

MYCENAE ROAD TO THE FINAL

reaction to adversity, and Mycenae did so emphatically, crushing Corinth’s neighbors Fates 6-0 - a testament not only to Achilles’ goalscoring but Odysseus’ ability to rouse an anxious side.

The momentum carried Agamemnon’s side comfortably through their quarter against Olympic of Elis, who despite their athletic ability could barely get a foothold against a more talented (and sly) opposition. The semi-final, conversely, was anything but comfortable, due to what people are calling ‘the dilemma of Achilles’. Despite scoring a patented backheel against a well-financed Delos team to put Mycenae two ahead, he soon fouled Chionis very cynically, prompting the captain to aggressively tussle with half of the Delos team. His coach, wary of losing his star player, pulled him off to avoid a red card, instigating a vitriolic between the two. Achilles was not seen post-match, so the Mycaenean

fans will be holding on with baited breath to see if their captain reappears on the teamsheet for arguably their biggest ever game.

ARES SPARTA

Before their most recent match-up against Underworld, manager and retired admiral Lysander quipped to his team “eat well, for tonight we dine in Hades”. A ferocious leader, and like any good Spartan he goes by tradition. In line with Sparta’s disciplined landbased approach, he spurns traveling by trireme; and if Sparta loses away, players have to run back home.

In the new age of recordbreaking transfer fees, doping scandals and massive stadium renovations, Ares Sparta is a refreshing reminder of what football once was. Unless you’re Athenian, your dad probably loves them. Stumble into their very modest stadium - Old Tygetionand you may find it at odds with the club’s stature, whose cabinet holds an impressive 38 Pelopponesian cups and 7 HLCs. So what’s their secret?

Maybe it’s an identity. Sparta doesn’t believe in transfers, and reserves its team-sheet only for full Spartan citizens. Still, they’ve always got a wealth of talent to draw from their academy, which is held to be the best in the world. From age 7-20 Spartan boys go through the rigorous agoge educational

and military training, wherein playing football is hardly a recess past-time. Athenians joke that they’re trained to play before learning to read (which prompts Spartan fans, any time they’re ahead in a Pelopponesian derby, to proudly chant 2-0, 2-0, Can you read the score?!).

A formidable Trojan side crushed Sparta’s HLC dreams in a heated semi-final defeat featuring penalty polemics, 6 yellow cards and a heavy defense the Spartans could not penetrate, despite formidable efforts from striker captain Leonidas. “This is not Sparta” is all he could say in a postmatch interview. Critics point to the side missing Chionis the sprinter, who controversially left for Delos this summer.

Setting the record transfer-fee aside, the move infuriated every Spartan on earth: why would you leave Sparta? Whispers suggest the move was financed by an Athenian loan to topple their neighbors; other theories involve revenge conspiracies by Underworld. Maybe, though, it’s a symptom of a changing world. A Spartan can only be forged in Sparta—but maybe he can be bought for 30 talents.

from their local derby with Fates, Corinth’s rivalries have you to fly close to the sun”.

DELOS FC

In Greek, Delos means

of sanctity. So who are their fans? Clever away fans will also chant this question. But since its recent founding Delos has attracted a wealth of support from other Cycladic islands who are not represented by any team. A match-day at Delos will have over thirty triremes arriving in singing unison—it’s a hell of a sight.

Arguably, Delos’ rise in support is also due to its rapid squad growth. All the gold from league tribute payments is held and managed in Delos by Sacred Island

Bank. Unsurprisingly this has attracted recent controversy. Critics allege that the Bank— which not only sponsors but manages the club’s finances— has dipped into the war-chest a little too deep in order to buy out a star squad. Last summer “the Dolphins” poached lauded Olympic sprinter Chionis from the Spartans for a record fee of 30 talents. Head of the board Philostephanos recently defended the signing: “Claims of Delos ‘ruining’ the game are empty. Trade is, and has always been, foundational to our civilization.”

DIOSKOURIAS FC

How many ways are there of saying “pass the ball”? Brave the Black Sea to a bazaar in Dioskourias, and the answer will be between 70 and 300. “It’s hardly made my job easy,” adds manager Aeëtes, who employs not one but three interpreters.

“But you have to look at the positives. Dioskourias is a cosmopolitan trade capital;

a number of challenges, especially its physical distance from the Mediterranean, to become a prominent club on the Hellenic stage.

It’s their first ever League of Champions appearance after winning play-offs against Paphlagonia and Cappadocia, and fans want them to stay here. Dubbed the “dark horses” of the tournament, their run

energetic football under Aeëtes’ leadership has simply made them fun to watch: no one present at the Dioskouri Hippodrome will forget the beautiful, curling ball whipped in by right-back Phrixos finished by a stunning header from 21-year old Absyrtus. It shows what we’ve all thought— however many languages are spoken off the pitch, they speak the same one with their feet.

DIOSKOURIAS FC

EASTERN GROUP

HELIOS RHODES

After a stadium renovation led by star-architect Hippodamus in 490 BC, fans at the New Heraion have witnessed scenes forever etched into Greek football history. Rhodes’ ascent has been spearheaded by Olympian boxer Diagoras, who has attained club-legend status with a record 114 goals across 5 seasons. Few will forget his iconic corner-flag-punch celebration as a last-minute goal against Samos saw the Roses’

Colossus” standing in front of goal. Diagoras, now occupying a player-manager role, is still often used by Memnon for his experience. As such, perhaps the most memorable image in recent sporting history is that of Diagoras being carried on his sons’ shoulders following a derby win against Sporting Kos last season: after seasons carrying the team, it is his legacy—and a bright future— which carries Rhodes on.

EASTERN GROUP

MEET THE TEAMS

Kerameikos is arguably the most iconic club in the world. (Yes, your father who likes Sparta will disagree). Sitting at the heart of the ceramics neighborhood of Athens, ‘the Potters’ fame in recent times has no doubt coincided with the rise of the city. “But there’s much more to it”, manager and club legend Pericles discloses in an interview. “We’re unique because we’re the club of the people.” He explains how Kerameikos is the only club in the world that’s completely fan-owned. Members vote on matters from stadium renovation to electing the chairman. “You wonder why no one likes Sparta these days? It’s just not hip to be autocratic.” The famed orator may have, unsurprisingly, convinced me, and for a moment I imagine listening to his fiery half-time speeches in the locker room.

Thankfully a recent deal for the πᾶν ἢ οὐδέν series has granted journalist Thucydides exclusive privilege to record and publish the manager on the job. Many dismiss it as a PR stunt—but Pericles isn’t all talk. He’s led the Potters to their third ever HLC last year after freshening up an aging squad, and has already added two Peloponnesian league titles to take the club’s total to an impressive 30. He’s known for wanting to keep the ball, implementing tactics inspired by the Athenian navy (but on that point, your correspondent remains unconvinced).

The Potters’ display wouldn’t be possible without captain Xenophon’s smooth command of the ball (“he works it like a ball of clay!” Pericles jokes). Special mention also goes to number 9 Thrasybulus’ (‘the Owl’) eye for goal (with a tally of 16 this season across all comps). After a triumphant last year, the Potters recently saw a bitter group stage exit losing 3-0 to neighboring Corinth: disappointed Athenians complained they had paid to watch a football match, not a Sophoclean tragedy. At the very least, the Potters enjoyed a recent 3-2 comeback against bitter rivals Sparta in the world-famous Peloponnesian derby. The New Pompeiium erupted into scenes following a last-minute screamer from Alcibiades, who celebrated with his fellow teammates in a mocking ‘row-boat’ celebration (who doesn’t love a naval supremacy reference?) As the citizens roar inside, it’s hard to forget the statues of wealthy patrons lining the outside of the stadium. Critics find it hard to reconcile the ‘people’s club’ image with the amount of cash funneled in by aristocrats like Nicias.

Recent allegations over the misuse of the Delian treasury hardly help the Athenians’ case. Believe in democracy all you want, but could Pericles really do it with Kyrenaike’s budget? In the Socratic vein Pericles evades my question with another one himself: “but what does it really mean to ‘do it’ in football today?

KERAM E IKOS

L.A.C. KNOSSOS

Unless you ask a Mycenaen, Knossos is the oldest club in the ancient world. In fact, some even say the game was invented by Cretans when they started kicking around a spare ball of yarn they found lying on the ground.

Founded by King Minos himself, Knossos’ trophy cabinet holds an impressive 67 Southern League cups and 7 HLCs. Something resembling a football amphitheater was already in Daedelus’ architectural plans in 1700 BC for the 700,000 squaremeter palace of Knossos.

“The palace”, as dubbed by fans, not only sees football played but also Taurkoathapsia, an old Minoan sport where participants hold on to a bull’s horns until the animal, in anger, jerks its head upwards. As the jumper is thrusted in the air, he uses the momentum to leap over the beast and perform an acrobatic feat. Like all good Cretan athletes, most of Knossos’ players are all trained in the sport. This might

SOUTHERN GROUP

KYRENAIKE UNITED

We had a big question for Kyrenaike United’s assistant manager, Aristippus, founder of a philosophical school stressing pleasure as the only intrinsic good in life: how on earth do you motivate your players?

“Yes, we do not believe humans should seek pain, nor that virtue has any intrinsic value— for us it’s about pleasure as a universal aim, especially physical pleasure. I can see you look at me strangely. But answer me this: is there any

region, attracting some of the best mainland talent and shining bright on the Hellenic stage. They’ve never won an HLC, but reached the quarter final last year— and had a strong group-stage presence this year— under the commanding leadership of captain and Olympic chariotrace winner Kratisthenes.

Known for his vision and longshot cannons, attend the Kamp Kyrene and you’re bound to hear a Kraaaaatisthenes!

its weight in gold, ‘United’ saw controversy last year when Massalia formally accused them of using Siphium as a performance enhancing drug. The GFA opened an investigation, and found the drug did not enhance, but instead impaired, players’ performance. “Who cares though?” Aristippus tells us. “It makes my players happy. And they play better when they’re happy.”

FC MASSALIA

In today’s football world you’ll see plenty of executives who are tyrants or generals. But it’s rare

Pytheas carried on the torch and famously sailed upwards, circumnavigating the island

the fearless 21-year old celtic center-back Catguallan of the Rhodanos, signed and

WESTERN GROUP

MYCENAE

It is said that upon warring away from his land, a Greek warrior must choose between Kleos and Nostos. That is, between the glory earned in a heroic and potentially deadly battle, or between a safe return to one’s homeland. But to bring an HLC trophy home—now that requires both.

The Mycenaen side will attempt to do exactly this and win its ninth HLC against their perennial rivals Troy FC. No Greek match-up comes

instead narratives with a script to be eternally remembered.

Mycenae, based in the fertile Peloponnese, is the second oldest club in Greece. Its ways are also old, and famously favors proven warriors over Olympic athletes on its team-sheet. “I only look for killer instinct”, professed manager, king, and former player Agamemnon in a recent press conference. Neither is its football modern, spurning Parosball possession and instead

combines it with his dextrous finesse that earns him so much praise: we’ll never forget his silky back-heel against Delos in this year’s semi-final. However, Mycenaens are worried—and Trojans thrilled—that Achilles may miss the match-day over an internal row with Agamemnon.

Luckily the Acheans also boast of midfield maestro Odysseus, known on the field for his vision and, sources confer, in the locker-room for his passionate speeches

CENTRAL GROUP

OLYMPIC OF ELIS

Every four years there is an event of massive Panhellenic importance. Runners - the spondophporoi of Elis - race to every Greek city and announce a global truce. No matter what war is raging on, every army must lay low and allow free passage to Greeks traveling to Olympia. Around fifty thousand gather around the sanctuary for a Panhellenic spectacle: the Olympics.

But as the beautiful game grows, each year a debate is renewed on whether a similar truce should formally extend to the HLC. The debate forms part of a larger divide: Olympics, or football? Some assert the game can stand alone; but others, like the Elians, argue that the two are inseparable.

We won’t take sides here—but the Elians have a strong case. The best players in the game are all Olympic athletes. The game’s laws were first codified, and are continually reviewed, in Olympia. The organizers and judges of the Olympics, the hellanodikai, are also the best referees in football, and form

around 90% of HLC referees. (They’re also famously unbribeable, save the polemic ‘hand of Zeus’ incident in the HLC final of 506 BC).

Elis is unsurprisingly a heavyweight when it comes to the sport. The club’s won 9 HLCs in its long history and over 30 Pelopponesian trophies. Maybe this is unsurprising as athletic culture permeates the region, and the club has famously drawn a fair share of its best players from stadion race winners: Antimachus, Aeschines, Polynices, or Agis are legendary names that have filled a pacey team-sheet.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment for these players is that you don’t compete nude in football. The Olympic custom started when runner Orisppus took off his garment to run faster in 720 BC. Elian players, though, have a hard time dropping this habit: no one will forget last years’ episode when their number 9 Apellaeus was shown a red card for dropping his habit after scoring a last-minute winner against the Spartan rivals.

MEET THE TEAMS WESTERN GROUP

PAROS FC

football is not just about winning. It’s about playing well and winning,” he added. We can even attest that their stadium food is sophisticated: is there a better way to watch elegant passes than with a marble cheese board?

The Parian motto, inscribed on the stadium’s marble entrance, is a line from native Archilochus’ poem: “Nothing

give it their all—and even brave the sea—if it means playing for those values. This can also be seen in their football, which, since her takeover, places an emphasis on aesthetic, attacking combinations. Her track-record so far has had the Parians laughing last: the club has qualified for its last 5 HLCs, and continues to be a formidable player on the Aegean stage.

PELLA MAKEDON

streak, earning them the title of ‘The Original Invincibles’ and building the foundations for one of the first franchised teams in Greek football history. By the time Alexander retired, the ‘Pella Football Group’ had feeder teams from Greece to

managers would take over. Uncertainty over Alexander’s successor led to a compromise in which each assistant coach - from Ptolemy to Antigonus - got a cut of the Pella Football Group’s network of teams. However, this led to even

more animosity, given some got ownership of the esteemed HLC side while others had to settle for youth teams or the worst of all, the summer pre-season tournament squad. In the ensuing power struggles, Cassander attempted to solidify his legacy by banishing Alexander’s son and heir from the Pella Makedon youth academy for supposed ‘bad attitude’. The lasting prestige of the club has nonetheless ensured Pella Makedon has been able to attract big signings, albeit on salaries far above market rate. With superstars comes occasional success, but there is a sense that the ongoing tumult at the boardroom level has put an expiry date on the allure built by Alexander the Great’s success.

PIMPLEIA

heart of the team with a historic initiation song performance following his promotion to the first XI - one which moved even the hardest operators in the backroom staff to tears.

Pimpleia’s fortunes run parallel to the fortunes of their captain: a landmark performance against Underworld in last year’s quarter-finals saw Pimpleia overcome their rivals for the first time, sparking the release of a celebratory novelty anthem featuring local celebrities ahead of the return fixture.

However, vicious chants from the traveling Underworld fans about Orpheus’ wife Eurydices saw the captain look back towards the away crowd just as a last minute Underworld corner found the box. The rest is history: Orpheus lost his man and Pimpleia went home empty handed due to their skipper’s lack of concentration. “He was torn to shreds by the Thracian media,” said Clio, historian of The Muses, “but we all know that’s because he wouldn’t give them the attention they’re so desperate for.”

PIMPLEIA

WESTERN GROUP

REAL MIDAS

FC SAMOS

As fine as their feathers are, peacocks, unlike cranes, cannot fly; but any Greek football fan knows how far the Samians have flown in recent years. The Peacocks’ success, notably two Ionian league trophies, would not have been possible

has seen strikers like Aegles change to a right-back position mid-game, confusing fans and opponents alike. But this dynamic style has not stopped Aegles from becoming the league top goal-scorer this season at 23 goals, along with

Kouros’, dubbed as such for his massive stature and to distinguish him from the Mathematician. The latter helped design the Peacock’s stadium, the Aesoap Arena, an architectural wonder financed by tyrant Polycrates’

SCYTHIAN ARCHERS

SCYTHIAN

ARCHERS

‘Dressing room unrest’ is often the toxic by-product of the irresistible force of an authoritative coach meeting the immovable object of a narcissistic player. But for Scythian Archers, there’s no such issue. By assembling a squad of the most capable prison yard workhorses in Athens, the Archers - and their infamous founder Speusinoshave achieved a coach’s dream: a dedicated group of players who don’t have agents, don’t ask questions, and unquestionably play for the name on the front of the shirt rather than the name on the back.

This absolute obedience didn’t go unnoticed, and the Athenian Magistrates swiftly became owners and chairmen of the Scythian Archers, who were deployed both on the pitch and as a police force, prompting critics to accuse the Magistrates of “sportswashing”.

Despite the selfless play style

and coordinated pressing of the Scythian force, there’s a sense that the team’s lack of identifiable star players may see them left behind, with the Athenians a frequent subject of ridicule for planting fellow prisoners in the stands to avoid sketches of the half empty stadium being posted in the town square. Though the Archers can efficiently churn through lesser sides, the team’s lack of fanbase sees them struggle when confronted with bigger clubs with large and violent fan bases, due to the foreign and insurmountable passion exerted by opposing players.

The Archers have won the Peloponnesian League multiple times within the past decade, proving that their levelheaded consistency is on its day capable of overcoming intangible forces like ‘passion’. This level-headedness often meets its biggest challenge

against fiercely violent and undemocratic rivals Ares Sparta, whose immense conviction has often seen them triumph over their more measured counterparts. However, the Archers’ (few) faithful will never forget ‘That Night in Mystras’ however, as the Archers climbed back from two down to claim victory for the first time away at Sparta, sealing their debut title.

TARAS

TARAS FC

philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, statesman and military strategist—who even dabbles in the occasional music theory— the man has been elected general seven times (breaking the city’s own rules) and is famously undefeated in his military efforts. This perfect record hasn’t exactly extended to the pitch, but since taking the reins as ownermanager the club has come close. Taras qualified for its first HLC campaign fifteen years ago, missing the cup only twice and even winning it six years ago under leadership of centerback and wrestler Milo of Croton. It has steamrolled over the local Italiote league, winning 16 of the last 19 titles.

in a close quarter-final match to Kerameikos. You could hear proud Taran fans sing all game: We’ve got the better Pericles!

THEBES FC

When opponents see Thebes appearing on the fixture list, they would be mistaken in thinking a trip Northwest of Athens to be a walk in the park, despite the area’s natural beauty. There is no question that the fertile surrounding area’s plentiful water springs are pleasant on the eyes, but once opponents come across the Cadmea, the seven-walled fortress Thebians call home, they quickly realize that pleasantry is not in the club’s vocabulary. But while the so-called ‘Theatre of Thebes’ conveys robustness and fortitude, this belies the shaky ground the locker room is built on. With the likes of Tydeus, Capaneus, Eteocles and Polynices playing under the infamous Oedipus, the squad’s considerable talent disguises a distrusting streak. This culture can’t be disassociated from their coach, whose position at the helm has been constantly dogged by salacious rumors about his relationship with his mother. Oedipus for his part, has regularly dismissed these reports as mere hearsay, going as far as telling media, “As I’ve always said, all myths lead to Thebes”. Of course the rumors give rival fans ample ammunition, and their ceaseless chants about his mother (mockingly performed to the tune of popular Thebian paeans) have seen the once-prodigious young manager become spiteful and defensive - a character that is reflected in Thebes’ nononsense, pessimistic style of play. “They’ll make you want to tear your eyes out,” said one rival fan, “but they just keep winning.”

‘Hearsay’ aside, there’s no doubt that the fiery Eteocles and Polynices are their father’s sons. The brothers, raised to constantly

vye for Oedipus’ favor in hope of succeeding him, are constantly at each other’s throats, creating a considerable rift in the spine of the team. Oedipus is known to exploit their ambition to get performances out of them - saying things like “a lot of people would kill to captain this great club” with a knowing nod to the brothers. The effect of this man-management is debatable though, with the locker room firmly split down the middle in their allegiances to the brothers. Needless to say, not a single cross field pass has been played since the two were promoted from the youth team. Nonetheless, the team’s combination of raw talent and ‘us vs them’ mentality has helped them overcome internal politics, as last season they clinched the league title in a nail-biting away match at Sparta. It became an all-time classic in one of the league’s oldest rivalries, and gave the Snakes payback for Sparta’s occupation of Cadmea after the Peloponnesian War.

The stocky Polynices ventured forward into Sparta’s box, before thumping home a cross from Amphiaraus with his colossal forehead in additional time. When interviewed afterwards, Polynices had few words: “Try that you bloody half-breed, Eteocles!” cementing the squad as perhaps the only team which would beat their rival in spectacular fashion yet berate their own teammates. But the team’s suspect chemistry proves a burden, as Thebes are no strangers to dropping points to bottom-half teams, squandering many a title-challenge. Most teams’ largest challenges lay in the skill and talent of their opposition; Thebes faces a challenge like no other, their biggest challenges lying within.

THRAX ABDERA

severity. Before you know it there’s a pitch invasion by the Abderan fans, eager to defend their cause—but like a real this one is not peaceful.

Scenes like these have made closed-doors games increasingly frequent when the Hellenic FA sees any risk, and it’s hardly helped with their reputation. “Barbaric, violent, thugs, lawless—we’ve heard that for centuries”, shares owner and King Diomedes in an interview. “But when the same thing happens in the derby of Athens—not a peep from the media. Of course, I don’t condone what happened last year. But we have passion, true passion.”

This passion has carried them far in recent years, winning two Northern league titles under manager-physician and master gymnast Herodicus. Now in his sixth year at the helm, Herodicus has gained widespread recognition for his high-intensity ‘Griffinpress’ style. Recent stats compiled by the Pythagoras Institute show exactly this: no one runs like the Griffins. A modern fitness regimen—and a little passion—go a long way.

TROY CITY

Rivalries in the beautiful game can turn ugly. Perhaps fittingly, the game’s ugliest rivalry is fought over the most beautiful woman, Helen of Troy. After endless allegations from the Hellenic Times the scandal still remains a public confusion; but what’s clear is that you’ll never catch Menelaus and Paris shake hands.

This year’s long-awaited HLC final will be played away from the Hippo’s Citadel in Athens and instead on the uncontested Mount Olympus. The last six HLC match-ups have ended in 3 wins for both; but this is the first match-up in a final, ever. Expect hoplites guarding every square pechys; massive crowds camping outside; perhaps a Mycenaen arrival on horse; and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of Helen sitting in the executive box.

The focus will also be on Hector vs Achilles, the two most dangerous 9s in the current game. The latter is best-known for his finishing ability in the box; while Hector reconciles his number 9 instinct with silky hold-up play and visionary play-making ability. He leads in HLC assists this season (6) and comes second in goals (12)

UNDERWORLD FC

If the idea of visiting the underworld for an away day doesn’t appeal to you, maybe don’t try and become an elite footballer. Playing in Eurebos is considered a rite of passage in the modern game. It’s so important that even legends from another time, like Coroebus’ of Elis, have their status as a GOAT contender challenged for “not doing it in the underworld”.

And it’s not an easy bar to pass. Or cave to enter, better said. Visiting players (fans, and journalists like your correspondents, are never allowed in) are escorted by Hermes himself through a cavern in Tainaros. Then comes a long journey, including a ferry trip across a strange river, and a walk past a terrifying hell-hound at some gates. It doesn’t help that players aren’t actually sure if they’re going to be let back out.

There’s also the lack of visibility, which is tricky when you’re used to the Mediterranean sun. Thankfully the dead glow in the dark, which makes things a bit easier. But man-marking skeletons, who all look the

same, remains a nightmare. Collisions with the flesh-less result in frequent bruising. Against their manager’s wishes, after a bad defeat you might even see players drinking from Lethe, the river of forgetfulness.

Perhaps Underworld’s best advantage is not its home setting at the Asphodel Meadows, but actually its squad, which is composed of the best dead athletes. Their being skeletal makes it hard to tell who is actually playing, but some quirks never leave one’s feet. For instance the late Arrichion

of Phigalia, who was known for his abundant use of step-overs and fake-shots, is rumored to be currently playing given #7’s style of play and dominance on the wing this season (11 assists and 5 goals so far). Underworld occupies a unique place on the Hellenic stage. It doesn’t formally qualify for the HLC, but no sane tournament organizer would wish to upset Hades by excluding his club. Still, it hasn’t stopped some braver voices from criticizing the club—which has only once made it past the group stage—as ‘lacking in spirit’.

FINAL GROUP TABLES AND KNOCKOUT BRACKET

CROSSWORD THE HELLENIC LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS

DOWN ACROSS

Name of the group that makes up around 90% of referees in the Hellenic League of Champions (12)

The name of Paros’ impeccably white stadium (8)

In Ancient Greek, which team’s name directly translates to “Something that can be seen?” (5)

Odysseus gave a rousing one of these to turn around his team’s fortunes against Fates (4,4)

What are the runners? (13)

Nickname of FC Samos (8)

In the words of Oedipus, “all _ lead to Thebes” (5) Which League of Champions club is the oldest? (7)

The name given to Naxos’ ultras (4)

Which player ended the League of Champions season as top goalscorer? (6)

Name of star-architect who led the renovation of Helios Rhode’s stadium in 490 BC (10)

The nickname given to Thrax’s supporters (8) Dioskourias’ manager (6)

How are Helios Rhodes’ famously solid midfield related? (8)

What is the name of the currency used in the Hellenic transfer market? (7)

The _ Derby contested by Naxos and Paros (8)

Troy City vs Mycenae is known as the “derby of _”? (5)

The nickname of FC Massalia’s stadium (8)

The nickname of Kerameikos (7)

Real Midas’ number 10 and “Golden Boy” (8)

Taras’ centre back & wrestler, Milo of _ (6)

Who are said to be Pella’s “Noisy Neighbours?” (8)

ANSWERS

DOWN

ACROSS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ARTISTS

James Quartly

Robby Smukler

Jaden Stevenson

Mary Boyer

Matheus Guedes

Sonia Shah

Paul Lilley

John Gaskin

CONTRIBUTORS

Jonny Hopcroft

Ben Clarke

Jan Domingo Alsina

PHOTOGRAPHER

Vasilis Photiou

MODELS

John Krouskos

Hiago Paulino

Alexandra Papagianni

Panos Karlos

Temi Tuase

OTHERS TO THANK

Ivan Vivar

Diego Gallardo

Colin Olson

Marc Domingo Gygax

Fiona Galvis

Evan Burkert

Osman Bayazitoglu