The 21st edition of the Ambrit Boys Intramural got off to a roaring start with a seven-goal thriller, Marco's Greek champions winning by the odd goal.
And yet it was Bayern who got off to a stronger start, going 1-0 up with possibly the best goal of the day. The ball was moved quickly around from Luke to Oliver to Jakob to Giovanni and into the back of the net.
The Germans nearly scored again immediately but Max's outstretched leg was enough to block the ball. Jakob had a chance too but was again foiled by Max. Then, just before half-time, Ludo did some good work on the right, the ball broke to Marco and the score was 1-1.
The second half exploded into life immediately. Ludo took a throw in to Marco waiting in the box and his nonchalent backward flick wrong-footed the goalkeeper: 2-1.
Bayern came back: Jakob had a shot saved but then, two minutes later, Oliver picked him out with a surgically-accurate long pass and he cut inside onto his left foot and scored. He had another chance immediately afterwards too, but this time Max made another good save.
There was no let-up in this fast-paced game. Marco found Ludo in the box with a good pass and Ludo kept his head to turn the ball calmly past the goalkeeper and Panathinaikos were ahead again. But not for long! Jakob played a captain's part and equalised again. Maybe the teams would settle for a draw? No!
After Ale dB had fouled Luca outside the box, Marco stepped up and blasted a free kick which seemed to be going in until Oliver blocked it on the line. And then, in the dying minutes, Marco found Alexios free at a throw in and, with a surge of Greek pride, Alexios lobbed the ball into the back of the net to win the game.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS:
Ludovico 8, Marco T 5, Jakob 4, Max 2, Oliver 2