Across
Champions can win without a back (9)
Inspiration for writing part of plot, a reprobate in hindsight (5)
Post over on one side (7)
Champions from west side of capital cutting ace, surprisingly (7)
See 21
Jerk refused, too confident (4-6)
Apple ending in mud behind second player? (7)
Wrap sticker and ring around it (7)
Work and work to guard against endless excess (10)
Old Hindu in a jiffy? (4)
Classic saint securing soldier with longer pins (7)
17d
Champions rise up, status inspiring hero after header from defender (3,4,8)
Birth needing attention then after labour, primarily (5)
Cryptically create from document sent to vendor (5,4)
Down
Home of the silly brash parasite in family, daughter (5-6-4)
Garment a minister pulled up in open-topped car (8)
Every other bit extracted, darker gas remains (5)
Leader of men stepped up with German champions (8)
Champions not needing extra time, man — game of two halves, perhaps? (6)
Champions stuffed, striker choked up (9)
Risk chaining animal, dog (6)
Outgoing leader old and new on throne better (6,4,5)
Champions behind, tale-teller almost nets (9)
See 25
Rest privy to captivating opening scenes (8)
Number serious, though first ignored (6)
13a
Where one might stop champions, club and everything? (4,2,4)
Dress a start in audition? (5)
Type letters or click words in the clue