The nets shook less on Wednesday on the same pitch at Den Dreef, which also traditionally hosts the Red Flames’ home matches. We had to wait until added time in the first period to see the score change. A long shot from Saar Janssen was deflected by a Bruges defender and surprised the Blauw en Zwart goalkeeper Jorijn Covent (1-0, 45th+4).
Bruges’ equalizer fell shortly after the hour mark. After a mix-up in the Leuven defense, Caitlin Lievens sent the ball into the back of the net to tie the game (1-1, 63rd).
The score no longer changed during regulation time, nor during overtime.
For the 7th time in history, the final was going to be decided on penalties. Van Dijk and Mertens missed their penalty on the Leuven side. The Brugesoises were more skilful from eleven meters (4-2).
This is the first Cup lifted by the Brugesoises, for their second final. They lost the first in 2015 against Lierse (1-0). The Blauw en zwart succeed Standard on the list.
Anderlecht holds the record for victories with eleven Cups won, the last in 2022, ahead of Standard (9) and Rapide Wezemaal (6).
The Louvanists can still dream of the title of champions. They are leading the playoffs after six days, tied on points with Anderlecht (35) and 2 units ahead of Standard.
Club YLA is in 5th place in the playoffs with 18 points and has nothing more to hope for in the championship.
