The most prestigious table football team event of the season – the European Champions League – was played last weekend in Lisbon, Portugal.

In all 28 teams took part coming from ten different nations, namely Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Greece, England, Holland, and Germany.

Four Maltese players also figured in this competition, Cremona for holders Italy Perugia, Hansel Mallia for Belgium’s Hennuyer while Joseph Mifsud and Mark Gauci played for Greek side Altas Glyfada.

Cremona’s debut with Perugia was exceptional. His play was crucial as he helped his side reach the final of the Champions League losing narrowly to Napoli 1-2, with Cremona winning his singular game 2-0 against Mettivieri.

It was also Cremona’s second consecutive final in the Champions League after last year’s final with Reggiana in Murcia.

It was also Napoli’s first title in the Champions League where in 40 singular games, it was only Cremona who spoiled their day, being the only player who managed a victory against them.

In the last 16, Perugia defeated Murcia of Spain 3-0, in the quarter final they eliminated Devils of Austria 3-0, while in the semi final they had to produce their best to eliminate Charleroi of Belgium 2-1 with Cremona winning all his matches.

On his part Hansel Mallia, also was prominent for his Belgium side Hennuyer to reach the semi-final and third place of the competition losing to Napoli 0-2.

In the last 16, they beat English side Warrington 2-0, in the quarter-final French side Issy 3-1, before losing the semi-final. Then they beat Charleroi 3-0 to claim the third place.

Mifsud and Gauci, who figured for Altas, found it hard after passing the Group stages, losing in the last 16 to Charleroi of Belgium 0-3.